School support workers across Nova Scotia planning to strike next week
Posted Oct 28, 2026 10:17:06 AM.
Workers across the province are prepared to hit the picket lines on Nov. 2, unless negotiations resume and the government offers an increase to their hourly wages.
According to a statement by the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE), which represents school support workers, employees are in a legal strike position as of Friday unless the wage demand is met. Workers are looking for at least $3.50 an hour increase for all workers by 2029.
The union says the province’s last wage proposal for most job classifications was an increase of $1.62 per hour by the end of a four-year agreement.
The Nova Scotia School Board Council of Unions (NSSBCU) represents eight locals.
“Government knows exactly what it will take to avoid a province-wide strike,” said Nelson Scott, Chair of the NSSBCU. “We were hoping they would take the
opportunity this weekend to come back to the bargaining table and settle this contract. Instead, they’re trying to wait us out.”
In a statement, Premier Tim Houston said on Oct. 29 that his government invited CUPE back to the table.
“I respect collective bargaining and the important work school support staff do every day. That’s why we are offering a competitive wage and benefits package and are prepared to return to the table to continuing bargaining,” he said in an X post. “But reaching an agreement requires reasonableness on both sides. You cannot ask for too much and offer too little willingness to compromise.”
Both sides have time to prevent disruptions to students who rely on workers like education assistants, early childhood educators, library workers, custodians and more.
“School support workers don’t want to be on strike. We want to be in our schools, doing the work that students and families depend on,” Scott said. “But our members have made it clear that they are prepared to stand together for a fair deal. Government has the resources and the responsibility to get this settled.”
The council says the decision for a strike is now in the hands of the government.
CUPE says more than 5,500 people could hit the picket line on Monday.
