CUPE brings pro-public message to provincial municipal meeting

CUPE Nova Scotia representatives talked up the value of public services and warned about the dangers of privatization at a recent provincial gathering of municipal leaders. CUPE NS hosted an exhibit at the virtual conference of the Nova Scotia Federation of Municipalities (NSFM) and helped sponsor the event, which took place November 3 and 4. “Being at these events let us connect with municipal leaders on shared concerns and make sure workers’ voices and expertise are part of the conversation on issues affecting our cities and towns,” said CUPE Nova Scotia President Nan McFadgen. Our delegation shared CUPE’s latest research about public-private partnerships (P3s), Asking the right questions: A guide for municipal officials considering P3s. This fully-updated second edition of our popular guide weighs all the evidence and concludes that P3 privatization still costs more and delivers less. The guide outlines 10 essential questions every municipal official should ask before … Read more…

A female continuing care assistant helps an elderly female patient sitting in a wheelchair with her sore leg.

Stronger investment needed from Nova Scotia government for continuing care sectors

The union representing the majority of workers in “continuing care” sectors in Nova Scotia – long term care and community services – says the $1.7 million investment announced by the province is not enough to retain or recruit staff. CUPE Nova Scotia President Nan McFadgen, “The investment announced yesterday is a small step in the right direction, but if the premier hopes to make good on his election promise to ‘ensure that every long-term care facility maintain staff care levels, of combined RNs, LPNs and CCAs, sufficient to satisfy at least 4.1 hours of care per resident’ per day, he has a long way to go.” “We’re still waiting to hear when and how the premier plans to meet his commitment to hire 1,400 additional CCAs, reinstate the CCA training grant, and increase the size of the program to 1,000 students,” says McFadgen. “None of this money will go directly … Read more…

Closeup photo of two woman and one man in their twenties and thirties, representing young workers.

Wanted: CUPE member-organizers

CUPE is looking for members who want to participate in organizing drives, representation campaigns and member mobilization. Are you a member of a CUPE Local who has time and energy to commit to work with other members and staff? Are you able to be booked off from work (released for union business) or have scheduling flexibility that allows you to take time away from work? Can you be available at different times of the day: early morning, evenings, and/or weekends? Are you able to travel away from home when on an organizing drive? Do you have access to a car for travelling within province? Are you comfortable talking to new people (potential members)? Are you passionate about building our Union and the power of workers in Nova Scotia? Then you should consider becoming a member-organizer! We are offering a three-day training scheduled November 26, 27 and 28 in Truro, and are looking … Read more…