Melissa Marsman: 2026 Labour Day Statement

Happy Labour Day! Today, we celebrate working people and the movement we’ve built together. Let’s look back on a year of hard-won victories:

-The Supreme Court of Nova Scotia ruled Bill 148 unconstitutional, a major win for collective bargaining rights.

-Long-term care workers stood strong through a three-month strike, securing a contract that protects the sustainability of our long-term care system.

-WestJet flight attendants held the line to ensure fair pay for all hours worked.

-NSCAD University academic workers are now ratifying their first collective agreement after a brave, freezing winter strike.

Beyond these headlines, workers across our province have negotiated better contracts, launched powerful campaigns, and sustained our internal democracy.

We still have much to do. We will continue fighting for stronger minimum labour standards, a living wage for all, and the right to a unionized workplace. We also stand in firm solidarity whenever workers need our support, starting with ambulance dispatchers in their ongoing fight for a fair contract.

The path to justice isn’t always easy, but our collective solidarity makes us unbreakable. Let’s take time today to celebrate our wins and our community.

Happy Labour Day,