Bryony House, a transition house in Halifax, announced they would have to start slashing services due to a lack of funding. This sparked provincial mobilization on the issue of underfunding in the sector.

The situation was so bad that:

  • Workers were continually being asked to fund raise to supplement the budget for things like food and fuel.
  • Staffing was bare minimum and at times very short staffed.
  • Staff were being asked to pick up extras for clients at their own expense.

Target: Provincial government as the key funder.

Ask: Workers had been promised a 1% wage increase but had not received it. The campaign demanded the government honour this promise and commit to an operational increase to transition houses as well.

Message: Family violence is not just a family issue, it’s a community issue, it’s a government issue. The government needs to provide support so transition houses can adequately support families who are dealing with violence.

Actions:

  • Local 4459 from New Glasgow put forward an emergency resolution to raise awareness about the funding crisis at the CUPE Nova Scotia Convention, which passed with overwhelming support.
  • They had a meeting with CUPE transition house local executives and CUPE staff to discuss issue.
  • They had a letter writing campaign inundating Members of the Legislative Assembly with messages.
  • They met with the Minister of Community Services to talk about the serious issues in the sector

Coalitions/allies: There was a coalition of unions representing workers at transition houses involving PSAC, CUPE & representation from the Nova Scotia Federation of Labour. They also worked with the Transition House Association Nova Scotia. They met with allies, stakeholders, transition house managers and unionized and non-unionized staff.

Outcome: The government announced $500,000 in funding for transition houses as a result of the campaign.

Send news about your successful campaigns to sarahr@cupe.ca to be profiled in the sector council e-blast!