Union troubled by layoffs at Halifax restorative justice office during contract talks

The recent developments within Nova Scotia’s restorative justice program have sparked concern and uncertainty among its employees and the community it serves. The six individuals responsible for overseeing the program in the Halifax area have been served with layoff notices as negotiations for a new collective agreement with the provincial government continue.

The workers, who are part of the unionized Community Justice Society, were informed of their impending layoffs on April 7 and instructed to wrap up their caseloads within a 90-day period. This news has raised alarms within the community, with Nan McFadgen, president of CUPE Nova Scotia, expressing deep concern over the impact this will have on restorative justice in the province.

Restorative justice programs play a crucial role in bringing together offenders, victims, and communities to address issues without resorting to incarceration. The focus is on accountability and repairing harm, making the work of these caseworkers essential in promoting healing and reconciliation.

Sharman Bigler, a dedicated caseworker with two years of experience, emphasized the heavy workload carried by the Halifax office, which handles nearly half of the total caseload in Nova Scotia. The layoffs have come at a time when the caseworkers are already overwhelmed with their responsibilities.

The decision to terminate the service agreement between the Justice Department and the Community Justice Society came just before the union was set to enter conciliation. Despite ongoing bargaining for over a year and a unanimous vote in favor of job action, the workers were blindsided by the layoff notices.

In response to inquiries, Justice Minister Becky Druhan stated that the decision to end the agreement was not influenced by the unionization of the workers. Instead, the department cited a provision that allows either party to terminate the agreement with a 90-day notice period to facilitate a smooth transition for clients.

Moving forward, the John Howard Society has been tasked with taking over the administration of the restorative justice program in Halifax for an 18-month period. This interim arrangement will provide the opportunity to assess the program’s needs and issue a request for proposals for a new service provider.

Despite the challenges faced by the Community Justice Society, including difficulties in attracting new staff due to limited funding and demanding work conditions, the workers were compelled to accept a new agreement that included a nine percent wage increase over two years following the layoff notices.

The upheaval within the restorative justice program has raised questions about the future of these essential services in Nova Scotia and the well-being of those involved in the process. As the community grapples with these changes, it is crucial to prioritize the values of accountability, healing, and reconciliation that lie at the heart of restorative justice.