Nurses’ union supports CUPE members on Halifax Water picket line

June 1, 2015

(Halifax, June 1/15) Today CUPE workers employed by Halifax Water will be picketing the Halifax Water Lower Water Street location. Workers have been locked out since May 19 over contract issues including proposed cuts to their pension plan.

This week the Nova Scotia Nurses’ Union (NSNU) is hosting the Canadian Federation of Nurses Unions 17th Biennial Convention in Halifax. Members of the NSNU, including President Janet Hazleton, will be taking time away from the convention to join the picket in a show of solidarity.

“People in the labour movement have to fight for workers rights, even when the cause does not directly affect them. Halifax has some of the best water in this country largely due to those who run the systems 24/7 – the workers. Our brothers and sisters represented by CUPE deserve our support,” says Hazelton.

Halifax Water is seeking to cut workers’ pensions by 12 per cent, and up to 33 per cent for new employees. The Union remains hopeful that the employer will be fair in negotiations.

Members of the Nurses’ Union will leave the WTCC to join the picket at 12 noon on Lower Water Street.

-30-

The NSNU represents over 7000 Registered Nurses, Licensed Practical Nurses and Nurse Practitioners working in hospitals, long term care facilities, and community care (VON and Canadian Blood Services). NSNU represents nurses in acute care setting in all 9 District Health Authorities plus the IWK with the following hospitals being located in the Capital District Health Authority: Dartmouth General, Hants Community, Cobequid Community Health Centre, Eastern Shore Memorial, Twin Oaks, Musquodoboit Valley Hospital. The NSNU is a member organization of the Canadian Federation of Nurses Unions which represents close to 200,000 nurses and student nurses across Canada.

Contact

Coleen Logan, Communications Officer

902-469-1474 Ext. 307

Coleen.Logan [at] nsnu.ca

Christie Blotnicky, Communications Assistant

902-469-1474 Ext. 305

Christie.Blotnicky [at] nsnu.ca

Janet Hazelton, President

902-468-0737

Janet.Hazelton [at] nsnu.ca