CUPE Nova Scotia Applauds Improved Wage Scale for Early Childhood Educators

HALIFAX, Nova Scotia--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The union representing approximately 200 childcare workers across Nova Scotia is applauding the provincial government’s announcement of an improved wage scale, a pension, and benefits for early childcare educators, calling it an essential – if long overdue – step to improving the childcare system for Nova Scotia families and communities.

“Childcare workers in Nova Scotia give everything they have to the kids in their care, but for so long, this government hasn’t held up their end of the deal,” Nan McFadgen, President of CUPE Nova Scotia. “Today, thanks to the tireless advocacy of childcare workers, we’re finally seeing some improvements that will help childcare workers live with dignity, and hopefully brings the stability and workforce retention the sector desperately needs.”

"For years, early childhood educators across our province have been standing up for the fair treatment they deserve," said Margot Nickerson, President of CUPE 4745 which represents childcare workers. "Thanks to the hard work and determination of those tireless childcare workers, they now have retirement security and benefits.”

Starting April 1^st, the ECE wage scale will increase by about $3 per hour bringing them closer to a living wage in the province.

For years, CUPE has been organizing days of action across Nova Scotia to draw attention to the lack of fair compensation in the childcare sector, which has punished workers during the inflation crisis and worsened understaffing.

Jennifer Chase, President of CUPE 3688, says there's a long way to go but today's announcement marks an important step towards the strong, equitable childcare system that Nova Scotians deserve. "We’ve been fighting for these changes for years, and the provincial government deserves credit for listening to the voices of workers on the front lines in this important sector."