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TRURO, NS – CUPE Nova Scotia is urging the Dexter Government to bump this province’s minimum wage to $11 an hour.

President Danny Cavanagh says the recommendation is contained in the union’s brief to Labour Minister Marilyn More, who has asked for submissions on the matter.

CUPE argues that a decent minimum wage is a boon to the local economy and it ensures people are paid decently for the work they perform. Says Cavanagh, “When people with low incomes get a raise, they spend it on goods and services provided by local businesses – they are not flying off to Mexico.  Even the CFIB should see the sense in this.”

CUPE’s recommendations include:

  • Increase the minimum wage to $11.00 per hour on May 1, 2011
  • Eliminate the “inexperienced” workers rate effective May 1, 2011
  • Link the minimum wage to increases in the Consumer Price Index for Nova Scotia, not Canada
  • Require an annual increase in the minimum wage linked to the Nova Scotia CPI


CUPE also reminded the minister that Campaign 2000 and its partners previously recommended a minimum wage rate of at least $11 per hour by 2011 with indexation of this wage in order to protect it from the losses that occur due to increases in the cost of living.

In addition, CUPE argues the single most effective economic development tool the provincial government has at its disposal is to develop a publicly-funded and delivered early learning and child care system.


For more information, please contact:

Danny Cavanagh     
CUPE N.S. President    
(902) 957-0822 (Cell)   

John McCracken
CUPE Communications Representative
 455-4180