NSSBCU logo

Bargaining update for CUPE school support staff

Member update on bargaining from the Nova Scotia School Board Council of Unions. The bargaining process There are two levels of bargaining taking place simultaneously, “provincial” and “local”. CUPE’s education locals, known collectively as the Nova Scotia School Board Council of Unions (NSSBCU), represents members working for all seven Regional Centres of Education and the Conseil scolaire acadien provincial (CSAP). Your CUPE provincial bargaining team is made up of the presidents of eight locals and the CUPE education sector coordinator, and with the assistance of the CUPE Atlantic regional director. The employer’s provincial bargaining team is made up of a human resources representative from each of the eight Regional Centres of Education, as well as one government representative, and one legal counsel (who is also their chief spokesperson). In January, the parties signed a “memorandum of conditions” for CUPE common table (provincial) bargaining. This agreement was signed by all seven … Read more…

Closeup photo of a gavel

Indecision on Bill 148 leaves opportunity for Houston to repeal anti-worker legislation

The following joint statement was issued by the NS Federation of Labour in response to a judgement issued today by the Nova Scotia Court of Appeal.  Unions representing more than 70,000 public sector workers in Nova Scotia are issuing a joint response after the Nova Scotia Court of Appeal declined to make a decision regarding the constitutionality of the public service wage suppression legislation, known as Bill 148. The unions are disappointed there was no conclusive decision, following nearly six years of legal proceedings, which were substantially delayed by the Nova Scotia government. Over that time, the legislation has seriously impaired the process of free and fair collective bargaining, having a real and detrimental economic impact on a substantial portion of Nova Scotian workers, retirees, and their families. While the legislation is a legacy of former Premier Stephen McNeil, the responsibility to right this wrong now lays with Premier Tim Houston, who … Read more…

Web banner. Photo of CBRM city hall with CUPE NS logo overlayed

Talks break down between CUPE 933 and Cape Breton Regional Municipality

Negotiations between municipal workers represented by the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) 933 and their employer, Cape Breton Regional Municipality (CBRM), have broken down and the union filed a request today for the assistance of a conciliation officer with the Nova Scotia Labour Board. “After only four days of bargaining, the employer presented us with their final position even though we were still far apart on some issues. Presenting a final offer at such an early stage is unusual and quite disappointing,” says CUPE National Representative Tammy Martin. “We would welcome the opportunity to return to the table and continuing bargaining,” says CUPE 933 President Daniel Colbourne. “While we were successful with some improvements to contract language, we’re far apart on others.” Some of the outstanding issues include wages, bereavement leave and parental/adoption leave. “Also, there’s a wage parity issue that remains unsettled for our members working as special … Read more…