Key concerns that demand attention
As unionized workers, we must mobilize and make our voices heard during this election campaign. Let’s demand a future where our rights are respected, our services are protected, and our communities thrive. Together, we can advocate for the changes that will create a more equitable and just Nova Scotia for all workers. Now is the time to stand united for our rights and the future of our public services!
Unionized workers must advocate for issues that directly impact workers’ livelihoods and the communities they serve. Several pressing concerns should resonate deeply with our working families and the broader public. During this election campaign, candidates and political leaders must address the pressing issues that resonate with unionized workers in Nova Scotia. The voices of working people must be heard loud and clear, as these concerns directly impact their livelihoods, safety, and overall well-being. Each union may have other issues they see as important as well, but these are common issues among us all.
- Card Check Certification: It’s time to simplify the union certification process. Card check certification would empower workers to form unions more efficiently, ensuring their voices are heard without unnecessary barriers.
- Strike Vote Legislation: Nova Scotia is unique in requiring a 50%+1 vote of the entire membership rather than just those who participate in the vote for a strike to be authorized. This outdated requirement hampers workers’ rights and should be amended to reflect a more democratic process that respects the voices of those actively engaged.
- Recruitment and Retention: The workforce crisis is real, and Nova Scotia’s public services feel the strain. We must prioritize recruitment and retention strategies that attract new talent and support current workers. Competitive wages, comprehensive benefits, and a commitment to professional development are essential to ensuring that our public sectors are staffed with dedicated and skilled professionals. These measures are necessary to maintain the very foundation of our public services.
- Protecting Public Services: Public services are the backbone of our communities. They support our families, seniors, and most vulnerable citizens. We must advocate for policies that protect and strengthen these services rather than erode them. Our commitment to public services is to social equity and community well-being. We need leaders who will ensure that funding is allocated to enhance, not diminish, the quality of services we all rely on. Strengthening public services, particularly healthcare and childcare, is not just a matter of policy; it’s ensuring that all workers have access to the necessary resources. Total funding for these services, alongside disincentives for private operators, will provide quality care and support for families.
- Ending the Privatization of Public Service: The trend towards privatization undermines the quality and accessibility of essential services. When profit motives take precedence over public good, we see a decline in service quality and an increase in consumer costs. It’s time to put people over profits. We need a clear stance from our elected officials to halt the privatization of public services and to reinvest in our public systems, ensuring that they remain accountable to the people they serve.
- Ending Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs): NDAs should not be used as tools to silence workers or protect employers from accountability. It’s vital to promote transparency and accountability in the workplace. We need to push for legislation that limits the use of NDAs, ensuring that workers can speak up about injustices without fear of retribution. Protecting workers’ rights to voice their concerns is essential for fostering a healthy and ethical work environment.
- Safety and Respect in the Workplace: First and foremost, we must recognize that violence is not part of any job. Workers deserve to feel safe while performing their duties. Candidates must commit to implementing stringent measures that protect workers from harassment and violence, ensuring that every worker can return home safely at the end of their shift.
- Anti-Scab Legislation: The need for anti-scab legislation in Nova Scotia has never been more urgent. With the federal government taking significant steps to support workers, it’s time for our provincial leaders to step up and ensure that Nova Scotia stands firmly against using scabs during strikes. Workers should have the right to negotiate fairly without the constant threat of replacement, preserving their dignity and right to organize.
- Addressing the Affordability Crisis: Many workers are grappling with the rising cost of living. From skyrocketing housing prices to soaring grocery bills, the affordability crisis places immense pressure on families across the province. We need candidates who will advocate for fair wages, improved benefits, and accessible public services that alleviate this burden. Our leaders must prioritize economic policies that lift workers instead of leaving them behind.
- Strengthening Workers’ Rights: In addition to these pressing issues, we must renew our commitment to enhancing workers’ rights across all sectors. This includes protections for gig economy workers, equitable access to benefits, and a robust framework for collective bargaining. Workers should not have to navigate a maze of regulations to assert their rights; a clear and supportive framework is essential for fostering fair workplaces.
- Mental Health Support: We cannot ignore the importance of mental health in the workplace. Unionized workers should have access to comprehensive mental health resources that support their well-being. This includes training for management on recognizing and addressing mental health issues ensuring a supportive environment for all employees.
- Labour Standards Code Overhaul: Our current Labour Standards Code is inadequate and needs significant reform.
(a) Workers deserve fair treatment, including better protections against workplace injustices and improved rights related to hours, pay, working conditions and paid sick days in Nova Scotia.
(b) Our overtime regulations, particularly in construction and non-construction sectors, are among the worst in Canada. Workers should be compensated fairly for their extra efforts, and it’s time to establish clearer, more equitable overtime pay standards.
(c) Nova Scotia consistently ranks near the bottom for general holidays. Workers should have the right to enjoy time off to celebrate and rest without fear of losing income. Increasing the number of paid general holidays is essential for work-life balance and overall well-being.
(d) The current requirements for accessing paid pregnancy and parental leave are too stringent. Workers should have the support they need during these critical times, and the time required to qualify should be reduced to ensure families can thrive without financial strain.
(e) Essential service legislation restricts workers’ rights to strike, undermining their bargaining power. Repealing this legislation is vital to restoring fairness and equity in labour relations and allowing workers to advocate for their rights effectively.
As workers, we must unite and advocate for these critical issues in the Nova Scotia election. Our collective voice can drive the change needed to create a fairer, more equitable province for all. Let’s demand a future where workers are respected, supported, and empowered!
