As Nova Scotians continue to clean up from the devastation of Hurricane Juan, the ten sisters at Autumn House Women’s Shelter in Amherst are entering week nine of their struggle for a fair contract.
Picket lines were back up quickly this week at the small agency in the province’s northwest corner - as they have been since August 11.
Picketers were buoyed by a visit from the president of the Nova Scotia Teachers’ Union, Brian Forbes. Not only did he add his voice to those who are urging the provincial government to intervene in the dispute, but he put his union’s money were its mouth is.
NSTU has committed to supplement strike pay by $75 a week per striker for the next eight weeks!
This is the kind of financial commitment that small CUPE locals with little or no resources rely on to fight the good fight. They are up against an employer demand for major concessions.
You can send your financial support c/o Terry Goulding at the CUPE New Glasgow Office, 115 MacLean Street, New Glasgow, N.S., B2H 4M5.
Messages of support can be sent to Local 4326 President Terry Cove at terrycove@eastlink.ca.
The local has also planned a candlelight vigil in Amherst for October 18th at 6:00 pm and is urging CUPE members and other supporters from across the province to join them for the event.