-

Nova Scotians Need a Government That Can Walk and Chew Gum at the Same Time – CUPE

HALIFAX, Nova Scotia--(BUSINESS WIRE)--This year’s provincial budget has left CUPE Nova Scotia President Nan McFadgen wondering whether Tim Houston’s Progressive Conservative government can juggle more than one commitment at a time.

“The recruitment and retention issues we’re facing in healthcare are real, and they need to be addressed, but we’re facing those same issues in every other sector as well,” McFadgen said. “We’re glad to see that hard-working direct care providers in health care are being recognized by government, but paying people appropriate wages and ensuring they have good benefits and pensions is a more effective solution than giving out one-time bonuses that don’t lift people up in the long-run.”

McFadgen says she was hoping to see more investments in public services across the board, especially in the midst of a historic housing crisis that affects all Nova Scotians, but particularly those working for low wages.

“We’re pleased about investments in healthcare, but Nova Scotians needs extend beyond that. We need to take a comprehensive view and look at the social determinants of health as well,” McFadgen said. “Healthcare is critical, but Nova Scotians also need access to housing, childcare, education, and social supports. The CCPA Alternative Budget shows that we can afford to make these investments.”

“We have members working in public services telling us they’re living in their cars because they have nowhere else to go. We’re in a crisis situation, and our members are not willing to stand for it.”

CUPE represents more than 20,000 public sector workers in healthcare, education, social services, transportation, and infrastructure across Nova Scotia.

:sm/cope 491

Contacts

For more information, please contact:
Mary-Dan Johnston
CUPE Atlantic Communications
(902) 412-5780

Industry:

Canadian Union of Public Employees

Release Versions
English

Contacts

For more information, please contact:
Mary-Dan Johnston
CUPE Atlantic Communications
(902) 412-5780

More News From Canadian Union of Public Employees

CUPE social services workers reject forced offers in Windsor and Brant, sending strong message to employers and provincial government

WINDSOR/BRANT, ON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Workers at Community Living agencies in Windsor and Brant have overwhelmingly rejected employer-imposed “final offer” votes, sending a clear message to employers across Ontario’s social services sector that low-wage proposals will not be accepted. Members of CUPE Local 2345 at Windsor Community Living and CUPE Local 181 at Community Living Brant both recently voted down forced offers. The results reflect growing frustration among frontline workers who continu...

Village of Montrose workers ratify new collective agreement

MONTROSE--(BUSINESS WIRE)--CUPE 2087 members who work in the Village of Montrose have voted in favour of a new collective agreement, concluding this round of negotiations. “This agreement shows what can happen when both sides focus on finding solutions,” says Hailey Knott, CUPE 2087 unit chair for the Village of Montrose. “Through respectful and collaborative dialogue, we were able to reach an agreement that supports workers and strengthens the services our community depends on.” The new three-...

Government fails to offer fair deal to CUPE long term care workers; union prepares for strike

HALIFAX, NS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Today, Canadian Union of Public Employees’ (CUPE’s) Lead Table, which represents long term care workers across the province and negotiates the economic pattern for the sector, has reached an impasse. “I’m disappointed but I can’t say I’m surprised,” admitted CUPE Long Term Care Coordinator Tammy Martin. “At every turn, this government has tried to force us to sign the same deal, and this time was no different. For the fifth time, they presented us with essentially...
Back to Newsroom