School support staff represented by CUPE’s Nova Scotia School Board Council of Unions (NSSBCU) will hold a rally at Province House on Tuesday, March 21st at 4:00 p.m. to bring their concerns to their elected representatives on the eve of the group’s conciliation meeting with the provincial government, which is scheduled to take place March 22nd.
The 5,400 plus education workers voted 97.5% in favour of strike action if an agreement that secures significant wage increases for members cannot be reached.
CUPE education workers are among the lowest-paid workers in the public sector, with the majority making less than $30,000 a year.
NSSBCU filed for conciliation in January in the hopes that a third party would help refocus the government on finalizing a fair deal that allows members to escape poverty.
NSSBCU represents more than 5,400 school support staff at all seven regional centres for education and the Conseil scolaire acadien provincial.
Members include bus drivers, early childhood educators in the pre-primary program, educational program assistants, custodians, food services staff, and tradespeople. CUPE NSSBCU President Chris Melanson will be available on Tuesday for comment.