While much progress has been made, Indigenous peoples, and racialized and religious minority communities in Canada continue to face racism and discrimination every day. This day serves as a call to action for individuals, organizations, and all levels of government to actively work to eliminate all forms of racial discrimination, injustice, systemic racism and hate. Re-committing efforts, to ensure all people are respected and have equal access and opportunity to be safe and to succeed.
Learn more about the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination.
]]>The Press Conference was to announce of DAY of ACTION to defend public health care against the precendent of Alberta’s Bill 11 which introduces a two-tier health care system in that province.
Here is the video of the press conference with Jason MacLean, Jennifer Benoit, and Melissa Marsman:
In attendance were: Peter Perry, NSGEU 3rd VP; Jason MacLean, Chair, Canadian Health Coalition; Jennifer Benoit, Coordinator, NS Health Coalition; Melissa Marsman, President of the Nova Scotia Federation of Labour; Janet Hazelton, President of the NSNU; Alan Linkletter, President of CUPE Atlantic, Angela Downey, UNIFOR.
President Mullen has written a letter on behalf of our members to the Premier, the Minister of Health and the Minister of Mental Health and you can read it below.
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Therefore, to avoid further delay, the committee has made the decision to file for conciliation. We have advised the employer that should they receive a monetary mandate between now and when conciliation is scheduled, we would be more than willing to return to the table.
What is conciliation? Conciliation is a requirement under the Nova Scotia Trade Union Act that takes place when regular negotiations fail to reach an agreement. Either party may apply to the Minister of Labour and Advanced Education requesting the services of a Conciliation Officer. The Conciliation Officer does not have the power to impose a settlement on either party. Instead, their role is to mediate between the parties and help them reach an agreement.
We will be holding an important virtual local meeting to discuss next steps on Tuesday, March 24th at 7pm. It is very important that all members attend this meeting. An MS Teams link will be sent out to the members closer to date, so please monitor your email.
Your bargaining committee wishes to thank you for your continued support. If you have questions or concerns about the bargaining process, please reach out to a member of your bargaining committee as follows:
Walter Kelsey, Bargaining Committee [email protected]
Paula Melanson, Bargaining Committee [email protected]
Tracy Pyke, Labour Relations Officer [email protected]
Karen Grandy, Labour Relations Officer [email protected]
Gina Boyd, Servicing Coordinator & Lead Negotiator [email protected]
]]>It’s a reminder that all women, from all ages and walks of life, have a place in every aspect of Canadian society, including in the economic, social and democratic spheres.
Let’s celebrate the successful women around us, reminding today’s youth and girls that their dream is within reach.
To learn more, click here.
]]>Since the directive was issued the union has received well over a thousand pieces of correspondence from impacted members. While not every individual inquiry has received a formal response, the union has collected all information for the purpose of the grievance and for any potential redress from the employer.
Any member who has concerns related to a medical or any other accommodation will receive contact from a staff member in the coming weeks to gather the necessary individual information.
The union thanks you for your response and asks for patience while staff do their best to reach out to impacted members.
Please continue to monitor your email for further updates.
]]>The following are some questions and answers that you might have if co-workers who belong to another union go on strike.
It is important to understand that the NSGEU is supportive of CUPE members should they go on strike.
How can I show support to these CUPE members who are on strike?
If you have to cross a picket to get to or from your place of work we suggest that you “walk the line before you cross the line”. NSGEU members are encouraged to support CUPE members. You can be supportive by picketing with them on your own time (such as breaks, lunch or before/after work). You can bring them coffee and/or refreshments. You can also beep your car horn and wave to show encouragement. Picketers greatly appreciate these signs of support.
What do I do if I’m asked to do the work of a striking member?
The Trade Union Act protects you from any disciplinary consequences if you refuse to do the work of another employee who is on strike. The work of someone who is on strike is called “struck work”.
“No Employer and no person acting on behalf of an Employer shall: suspend, discharge or impose any financial or other penalty on an employee or take any other disciplinary action against an employee, by reason of his refusal to perform all or some of the duties and responsibilities of another employee who is participating in a strike that is not prohibited by this Act” ~ Section 53 (3)c of the Trade Union Act
If you are asked to do the work of striking employees, please contact the NSGEU.
Do I have to go to work if my co-workers go on strike?
Yes. NSGEU members are not on legal strike therefore members are required to go to work.
Do I have to cross the picket line?
You are required to do your work, so you will have to cross a picket line if there is one at your workplace. We suggest you “walk the line, before you cross the line.” This shows your respect and support for your co-workers.
What if I am uncomfortable or I believe there is a threat if I cross the picket line?
If you feel uncomfortable, ask to speak to the picket captain and explain who you are and that you need to go into your workplace. You can also call your manager or a person who may be assigned to assist employees in crossing the picket line. If you believe the picket line is a legitimate threat to your physical wellbeing, you should leave the area and call your manager or the person assigned by your employer. Advise them of the situation and ask for instructions. You are also encouraged to advise the NSGEU so we can inform the striking union of the situation. If your employer insists you cross the picket line and you still feel there is a legitimate threat to your physical well-being, contact the NSGEU for further information. If your safety is being jeopardized, you have the right to refuse under the Occupational Health and Safety Act.
What if I have a question that is not on this list, or I need further information?
You can contact NSGEU if you need assistance between 8:30am and 5:30pm Mon-Fri. NSGEU: Email: [email protected] Phone: 902-424-4063 or toll-free in NS: 1-877-556-7438. www.nsgeu.ca
]]>Therefore, to avoid further delay, the committee has made the decision to file for conciliation. We have advised the employer that should they receive a monetary mandate between now and when conciliation is scheduled, we would be more than willing to return to the table.
What is conciliation? Conciliation is a requirement under the Nova Scotia Trade Union Act that takes place when regular negotiations fail to reach an agreement. Either party may apply to the Minister of Labour and Advanced Education requesting the services of a Conciliation Officer. The Conciliation Officer does not have the power to impose a settlement on either party. Instead, their role is to mediate between the parties and help them reach an agreement.
In the interim, progress has also been made on the issue of establishing an essential service staffing plan, as is required by legislation. The committee has agreed to the employer’s Schedule B of essential staffing, and has provided them with a framework document that we are waiting for response to. We anticipate recieving this prior to conciliation.
The Committee wishes to thank you for your continued support. Please continue to check your emails for an upcoming next steps meeting date. We will continue to keep you updated as this process unfolds.
If you have questions or concerns about the bargaining process, please reach out to a member of your bargaining committee as follows:
Christie Jessome, Bargaining Committee [email protected]
Jodi Moir, Bargaining Committee [email protected]
Tracy Pyke, Labour Relations Officer [email protected]
Karen Grandy, Labour Relations Officer [email protected]
Gina Boyd, Servicing Coordinator & Lead Negotiator [email protected]
]]>Last week, we held a rally at the Legislature to protest this budget, and many of you turned up! Thank you for coming out to join us and have your voice heard.
We also launched an e-action, asking members to send a message to their MLA, Premier, and Opposition leaders to voice their concerns about the budget. If you’ve not done so yet, please send a message: https://win.newmode.net/novascotiagovernmentandgeneralemployeesunion/protectourpublicservices (keep in mind that your messages should not attack government policies, programs or officials, and that you do not use your government email or equipment to participate).
Our work is not done, though.
This week, a number of community groups are holding rallies – not just at the Legislature in downtown Halifax, but throughout the province. I am asking that you make an effort to attend one of these rallies over your lunch break. It is critical that this government sees a strong, unified voice of opposition to these harmful cuts.
As the elected leader of this union, I can and will be doing everything in my power to push back, but the reality is this: together, we are stronger and have a much better chance of effecting change.
The rallies we are aware of at this time are as follows:
Tuesday, March 3rd
- “Shoulder to Shoulder: We are all Treaty People,” Halifax, Nova Scotia Legislature (Granville Street entrance), noon
Wednesday, March 4th
- “Rally for Arts & Culture,” Halifax, Nova Scotia Legislature (1726 Hollis Street), noon
- “Rally for Arts & Culture,” Sydney, 360 Prince Street, noon
- “Save Arts & Culture,” Wolfville, Clock Park, noon
Thursday, March 5th
- “Save Arts & Culture,” Truro, meet at Civic Square & march to Minister Ritcey’s office, 1pm
Please come out and show your support to your fellow community members!
In solidarity,
Sandra Mullen
President, NSGEU
The 2026 theme, Reflecting on our Past, Reimagining our Future, reminds us of the incredible legacy of this profession and the vital work still ahead.
To our NSGEU members on the front lines: thank you. You do the work that often goes unseen, but it’s what holds our society together. Thank you for 100 years of making a difference.
NSCSW is holding an online event on March 2, 2026. Click here for more information.
]]>“This is a great day for workers’ rights in Nova Scotia,” said NSGEU President Sandra Mullen, “This ruling is the first step towards correcting this historic injustice towards our members, and many others.”
The legislation, which was passed in December 2015, imposed a two-year wage freeze on public servants and reached into their collective agreement to remove the public service award. The unions representing these workers – NSGEU, CUPE, CUPE Local 1867, NSNU, NSTU, Unifor, SEIU, IUOE, and CUPW – came together under the Nova Scotia Federation of Labour (NSFL), committed to fighting this legislation.
Tim Houston had promised to repeal Bill 148 when he was campaigning in August 2021. But when he was elected as Premier, he broke that promise and continued to waste taxpayers’ money on this legal challenge, which he has now lost.
“Now, Premier Houston and Premier McNeil can share this stain on their respective legacies,” said Mullen.
The legal battle which ensued spanned almost a decade and included 17 affidavit submissions filed on behalf of the unions, as well as four rebuttal submissions. Ultimately, the judge accepted the unions’ positions on both the wage restraint and loss of long service award and completely rejected the government’s arguments.
The ruling states that: “Bill 148 removed the Applicant Unions’ leverage on monetary items and thereby upset the balance of power between the parties and negated the ability of the Unions to engage in meaningful bargaining.”
The decision also notes that “the fiscal implications of an immediate declaration of invalidity would likely be considerable,” so they are allowing government an additional 12 months to find a remedy, but the judge has reserved jurisdiction on the case to order a remedy, if required. Government may choose to file an appeal, but given they have already been ordered to pay the unions’ legal costs, this would be a fiscally irresponsible decision.
“We look forward to government making our members whole and finally correcting this injustice for workers,” said Mullen.
The legal decision can be read here: https://nsgeu.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/2026-nssc-57.pdf
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The Nova Scotia Government and General Employees Union represents more than 39,000 workers who provide quality public services Nova Scotians count on every day.
For more information, or to arrange an interview with NSGEU President Sandra Mullen, please contact:
Holly Fraughton, NSGEU Communications Officer,
902-471-1781 (cell)
Lucas Wide, NSGEU Communications Officer,
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