Web banner. Image: headshot of Betty Jean Sutherland and the CUPE NS logo. Text: Betty Jean Sutherland Sister of the Year Award.

CUPE Nova Scotia Women’s Committee creates the Betty Jean Sutherland Sister of the Year Award

CUPE Nova Scotia Women’s Committee is pleased to announce the new Sister of the Year Award, named to honour Betty Jean Sutherland. A union leader who dedicated her life to raise the voices of all women, an activist and mentor who inspired women within the labour movement and her community to speak out and fight for fairness and equity. The CUPE Nova Scotia Betty Jean Sutherland Sister of the Year Award endeavors to recognize a union sister who has proven their dedication to the labour movement specifically in advancing equality rights for women. A sister who embodies the principles that Betty Jean lived by. Do you have a sister in your local who you believe is a committed union member; an activist and leader in her union, community or beyond; and who is dedicated to equity and labour activism? We encourage affiliated locals to nominate someone they feel deserving of … Read more…

CUPE NS Betty Jean Sutherland Continuing Care Assistant Bursary

In memory of Betty Jean Sutherland, past president of CUPE Nova Scotia, for her exceptional leadership and dedication to the labour movement. CUPE Nova Scotia has established a $1,000 bursary that will be awarded annually to a CUPE member, or dependent of a CUPE member, entering the continuing care assistant (CCA) program. Individuals that meet the eligibility requirements (see below) and are planning to enrol at an accredited CCA program for the 2022-2023 academic year may apply for the scholarship. Download the application form Eligibility: Union member in good standing with a local union affiliated to CUPE Nova Scotia; and or a son, daughter or legal ward of a member in good standing of a local union affiliated to CUPE Nova Scotia. Awarding Criteria: Only applications that are completed in full and include a cover letter from the applicate outlining their ongoing volunteerism within their school, union and or community … Read more…

Web banner. Text: News release. Background image of a nursing home

Labour board finds Wynn Park Villa violated Trade Union Act

In a decision handed down by the Nova Scotia Labour Board on February 19, Wynn Park Villa nursing home – and all employers – are reminded that they cannot violate workers’ rights to form a union, which are protected by the Nova Scotia Trade Union Act. The 113-page decision declares that the employer, located in Truro, NS, did engage in unfair labour practices in February and March 2021 during a union organizing drive by the Canadian Union of Public Employees’ (CUPE) Local 5483. The decision upheld the union’s complaint that the employer had violated the Trade Union Act when representatives of the nursing home questioned and intimidated workers about their union involvement. “We are pleased with the labour board’s decision. It’s the right of all workers to join a union, free from interference or intimidation,” says CUPE Nova Scotia President Nan McFadgen. “As CUPE members, we will always stand together … Read more…