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The NSGEU/NUPGE is working with Dalhousie Faculty Association and Dalhousie University to develop a plan for a sustainable daycare at the Agricultural Campus in Truro.
Halifax (07 Sept. 2016) — On June 24, 2016, the Nova Scotia Government and General Employees Union (NSGEU/NUPGE) learned that Dalhousie University was closing the daycare at the Agricultural Campus in Truro. The NSGEU/NUPGE represents 4 members who provide valuable daycare services for the campus and surrounding community and immediately began advocating on behalf of the members and the services they provide.
NSGEU/NUPGE part of fight to keep daycare services on campus
The Dalhousie Faculty Association (DFA) has a provision in their collective agreement that requires the maintenance of a daycare at the Agricultural Campus. The Association launched a grievance regarding Dalhousie University’s decision to close the facility.
During the lead up to the arbitration, all parties (the NSGEU, the DFA, and Dalhousie) were able to meet and agree to continue working together to develop viable solutions in order to reopen this important on-campus daycare.
Coalition formed to develop plan for sustainable daycare
In a joint news release, the parties announced that they will explore additional options for on-campus child care facilities.
“Dalhousie University believes that on-campus daycare offers many benefits for our university community. We need to make sure that this service is offered in an effective and efficient manner,” says Ian Nason, Dalhousie University Vice-President of Finance and Administration.
The release continued saying, "The groups will be meeting over the coming months and they are optimistic that they will reach a mutually agreeable solution. The Agricultural Campus daycare has been an important part of our community and we are committed to exploring options for a daycare model that meets the needs of our faculty, staff, and students."
Daycare recognized as a vital part of Truro community
“Our goal is to ensure that our members at the Faculty of Agriculture have access to on-campus daycare services that can also serve students, staff and the broader community,” says DFA President Laurene Rehman. “We look forward to working with the Board and NSGEU/NUPGE to ensure that these services be both sustainable and of the highest possible quality.”
“While this has been a difficult process for our dedicated members and affected families, we are pleased now to be working on a solution to continue the valuable daycare services at the Agricultural Campus for all those who need them,” says Jason MacLean, NSGEU President.
The release continued saying that, as of September 3, daycare services will be suspended until a viable solution is found. If, by January 20, 2017, a solution is not found, the arbitration on the DFA grievance will resume. During this time all daycare employees who are laid off shall retain their right to severance pay and recall until the grievance is resolved.
NUPGE
The National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE) is one of Canada's largest labour organizations with over 360,000 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