NS Federation of Labour Report for September 8- 19, 2025
From Secretary-Treasurer Melissa Marsman
Welcome to this week's report. Here's an update on what we've been working on over the past two weeks together. Strike actions intensify in our province as early childhood educators (ECEs) in Sydney walked off the job on September 8 over stalled bargaining on wages and staffing levels. To show public support, a community-led rally was held September 15. Dalhousie faculty members returned to work September 18, after 2 weeks of lockouts. The Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW), representing 55,000 postal workers nationwide, is pressing Canada Post to return to bargaining and agree to a fair contract. The union has announced it will end its ban on overtime work and stop delivering commercial flyers, a move to pressure Canada Post. They held a rally outside Halifax West MP Lena Metledges' office on Monday, September 15th, from 10 AM to 2 PM. The office is at 3845 Joseph Howe Drive in Halifax. They invited allies to help send a message to the government. They say it is time for the federal government to represent the workers and the public and step in and force Canada Post to negotiate. Wages, job security, and health and safety are key issues. Talks have dragged on for over 18 months, and the union says more decisive action could be taken if progress isn’t made soon. Nova Scotia’s inflation remains slightly below the national average, but shelter and rent costs are rising faster than the rest of Canada. Premier Tim Houston and cabinet have been unavailable to the legislature’s press gallery for five weeks, with regular availability not resuming until September 18. Saint Mary’s University Part-Time Faculty Strike Vote: Part-time faculty at Saint Mary’s University, represented by CUPE 3912, are voting on strike action amidst ongoing contract negotiations. Thank you for your dedication and hard work. The NSFL will continue to fight for workers' rights and better working conditions. If you require additional information, please don't hesitate to contact us. Together, we are stronger.