Early childhood educators, ECEs, across Nova Scotia are calling out ongoing delays in receiving back pay they are owed. Employers have confirmed that required paperwork has been submitted, and that government is the source of the months-long delay.
Workers say the issue is no longer administrative—it is about respect.
“Workers have done everything required. Our employers have done everything they were asked to. And still, months later, we’re not being paid,” said Jennifer Chase, a Bridgewater-based ECE and president of CUPE 3688. “At this point, it feels deeply disrespectful to have our wages held back like this.”
The Minister has had since November to finalize a formula for distributing retroactive pay. While other public sector workers have already received their retroactive wages, ECEs say they have been left behind without explanation.
“Minister Brendan Maguire told the public this was being worked on ‘around the clock,’” said Tabitha Warren, a Halifax-area ECE and president of CUPE 4745. “If that’s the case, then where are the results? We need direct answers.”
The local says the delay sends the wrong message to a workforce that is essential to the functioning of the entire economy.
“Our sector is what allows every other sector to operate,” said Warren. “You can’t say you value early childhood educators while withholding wages they’ve already earned.”
Workers are calling for the immediate release of all outstanding retroactive pay, a clear public explanation for the delays, and a firm timeline for payment.
They warn that if action is not taken quickly, they are prepared to escalate.
“This is money we’ve already earned,” said Chase. “We are ready to take the next steps to get what we’re owed.”