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NSGEU/NUPGE is encouraging the public to keep the pressure on and to support these members as they fight for a fair collective agreement.
Halifax (4 April 2011) - Two years ago, 33 workers at the Metropolitan Regional Housing Authority joined the Nova Scotia General Employees' Union (NSGEU/NUPGE). Today, these workers are still fighting to reach their first collective agreement.
The Department of Community Services, which funds and oversees the housing authority, is steadfast in its refusal to allow the authority's negotiators to offer its workers the same treatment offered to workers doing exactly the same work at other Nova Scotia housing authorities and even at the department itself.
A conciliator has been unable to help negotiate a deal, putting these workers on a countdown to a strike. On April 14, workers will be in a legal strike position although it is the last thing they want. They are proud of the work they do and know that thousands of seniors, families, and individuals - many of whom are struggling with poverty, physical ailment, mental illness and even abuse - depend on them.
An information picket was held at Nova Scotia's legislature, Province House, on March 31, in an effort to pressure the government to treat these workers fairly. In a show of solidarity, members of the public and NSGEU/NUPGE members from various bargaining units, such as Corrections, the Civil Service, Dalhousie University and the Capital District Health Authority joined the picket.
NSGEU/NUPGE is encouraging the public to keep the pressure on and to support these members as they fight for a fair collective agreement. Contact your local Member of the Legislative Assembly, the Premier and the Minister of Community Services, Denise Peterson-Rafuse to ask them to treat these workers fairly.
NUPGE
The National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE) is one of Canada's largest labour organizations with over 340,000 members. Our mission is to improve the lives of working families and to build a stronger Canada by ensuring our common wealth is used for the common good. NUPGE
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