Negotiations at standstill in CUPE strike as human rights complaint is filed
Posted May 19, 2023 07:40:55 AM.
Last Updated May 19, 2023 10:58:17 AM.
It’s been over a week since school support staff in the Halifax area took the picket lines. and negotiations between government and CUPE 5047 appear to be at a standstill.
Workers went on strike last Wednesday after union members rejected a tentative deal with government. It included an offer of a 6.5 per cent increase over three years, but Halifax-area workers say they need a wage increase because of the higher cost of living in the metro area.
“I can’t speculate as to what the HRCE(Halifax Regional Centre for Education) members may need but it’s really up to CUPE to work with their members to figure out what solution they’re looking for,” said education minister Becky Druhan. “I know HRCE will be ready and willing to listen once that happens.”
Despite those comments, union leadership has said it is ready to talk but the government has refused to return to the bargaining table.
HUMANS RIGHTS COMPLAINT FILED
The opposition Liberal party has now filed a complaint with the Human Rights Commission arguing the strike is discriminating against the most vulnerable students because they’re not able to attend school.
Liberal leader Zach Churchill said Thursday that the Houston government needs to get back to the table.
Churchill said he’s concerned government’s plan is to “starve workers out”, as the school board now moves to hire temporary replacement staff.
“We don’t know what the training level is, the students don’t have any familiarity with these people. That’s a big problem,” Churchill offered. “The other solution they have is for parents to come to school and do the work of our education assistants. It’s an incredibly awful decision by the premier to do this.”
Nova Scotia’s NDP leader also threw her support behind workers and called on government to negotiate.
“It’s incumbent upon this government to ensure that our classrooms are inclusive, that all learners can be in class and learn and right now that means going back to the table,” Claudia Chender said.
