School support staff union accuses Houston government of stalling contract talks

The Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE), representing 5,000 school support workers in Nova Scotia, has accused the government of hindering contract negotiations. Lead negotiator Nelson Scott criticized the Progressive Conservative government for taking a tough stance on wage increases and refusing to allow union locals to bargain at a single table.

Scott expressed frustration over the government’s decision to have each regional centre for education negotiate their own contracts, labeling it as a tactic to divide and conquer. Negotiations scheduled for November were canceled following Premier Tim Houston’s snap election call, leading all locals to enter conciliation.

While the government has offered a three percent raise in the first year and two percent in subsequent years of a three-year contract, the union is seeking specific dollar amount increases to combat inflation. Scott emphasized the need for fair compensation for members who face rising costs in their daily lives.

In addition to salary concerns, the union is advocating for improved health and safety provisions in the contract to protect support workers from classroom violence. A recent survey highlighted the challenges faced by members in ensuring their well-being while assisting students.

Despite some CUPE locals reaching agreements with the government in April 2023, those contracts have since expired. Support staff in the Halifax area went on strike for over a month before reaching a resolution towards the end of the previous school year. In October, members of eight CUPE locals voted overwhelmingly in favor of a potential strike.

Efforts to obtain comments from the new Minister of Education, Brendan Maguire, and the Minister responsible for labor relations, John Lohr, have not yielded immediate responses. The union remains steadfast in its pursuit of fair treatment and adequate compensation for its members, emphasizing the importance of respect and recognition for their contributions to the education system.