Nova Scotia school support worker labor dispute

Contract negotiations between the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) and provincial school employers in Nova Scotia have reached an impasse. More than 5,500 workers, including educational assistants, early childhood educators, bus drivers, and librarians, face a potential province-wide strike.

As of late October, a conciliator declared an impasse after the province’s last proposal offered approximately $1.62 per hour over four years. The union is seeking a wage increase of at least $3.50 per hour over that same period, alongside improved health and safety provisions and the consolidation of eight separate collective agreements into a single province-wide agreement.

The union indicated intentions to issue a 48-hour strike notice by October 30, with a potential walkout scheduled for as early as November 2. While the union has warned of potential school closures and service suspensions—including busing and extracurricular activities—Premier Tim Houston stated the government remains committed to collective bargaining to avoid disruption.