Support Bargaining Update April 11th 2025

Support Services Bargaining Unit

Unions Prepare for Conciliation, Strike Vote

Dear CUPE member,

After many dates at the bargaining table, your committee and employer agreed to file for conciliation in March. We will be meeting this coming Monday, April 14th with the assistance of an outside mediator as agreed to by the Nova Scotia Department of Labour, Skills and Immigration, and we are hopeful that an agreement can be reached through this process.

However, given that during the most recent bargaining dates, your employers were still proposing concessions, threatening to contract out your work, and offering Support Services bargaining unit members less than all other health care workers, we need to be prepared to take next steps to stand up for the contract you deserve.

That means we need to be ready to take a strike vote.

IMPORTANT: Since strike votes include every member of the bargaining unit—not just those who vote—it is critical that we have as many members participate as possible to receive a strong strike mandate.

To help make sure we have the best possible turnout, the unions will be launching a member information drive next week. Members will be visiting workplaces and speaking with you to make sure we have up-to-date contact information for you. Please keep an eye out for any materials with the same graphic as above, make sure you update your phone and email information with us, and talk to your coworkers!

If we can’t reach you, you won’t be able to vote!

We understand that this round of bargaining has been very slow and frustrating, and your committee continues to work extremely hard on your behalf to conclude the best possible collective agreement. We know the hard work you all do every day and what issues are important to you. The committee is bringing those concerns to the bargaining table to represent you all.

If you have any questions or concerns about the bargaining process, please contact your Area VP.