We heard from two Union Presidents this evening at Convention. Susie Proulx-Daigle (NBU) and Sandra Mullen (NSGEU), two strong union leaders who spoke honestly about the challenges workers are facing and the work our unions continue to do on behalf of members.
Susie opened by thanking all union members from the three unions for their service (NBU, UPSE and NSGEU) and spoke about how the labour climate is challenging especially with the Alberta government recently legislating teachers back to work and imposing a collective agreement on them. She emphasized that governments are not respecting workers’ rights and that public services are not being properly respected or funded. She highlighted how the NBU continues to support members through campaigns and union action, including ongoing work on pensions for allied health workers. Susie noted that when the union launched its recent campaign, the government “heard it loud and clear,” resulting in a major win as the pension age was reduced from 65 to 62. She reminded everyone that while the NBU does not endorse political parties, it will always speak out to protect members no matter who is in power. She acknowledged that bargaining this past year has been difficult, with workplaces short-staffed and member expectations understandably high. Susie also announced the launch of the “We Save Lives Too” campaign as her union works to boost member profile and the importance of the work they do.
Sandra followed with a clear message about solidarity across the Maritimes. She spoke about her members being close to a strike vote, but noted that legislation in Alberta targeting teachers has created a difficult climate for strike action across the country. She emphasized that Maritimers stand together on labour issues and pointed to long-term care shortages in Nova Scotia that mirror what we are experiencing in PEI. Sandra spoke about the growing threats to job security in the public service and she shared that she met with the Premier, who promised back in September not to make cuts, but now it appears that cuts are imminent—meaning, as she put it, the Premier took off his “costume” after Halloween. Sandra thanked Karen and Susie for their continued communication …sharing their ideas and resources, and she closed by thanking everyone and wishing all a good convention. She reaffirmed that the union continues to build strong relationships with stakeholders and members.
Pics: Susie (in red) and Sandra (in white).
