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NSGEU home support workers present pledges to party leaders

Nova Scotia's unionized home support workers tell the leaders of the province's political parties that should their work be contracted to another company, they won't accept jobs unless their current contract and working conditions continue.

Halifax (7 May 2015) — The President of the Nova Scotia Government and General Employees Union (NSGEU/NUPGE), Joan Jessome, and home support workers presented Nova Scotia politicians with approximately 1,200 signed pledges, stating that if their work is contracted to another company, they will not accept employment unless their union representation with the NSGEU/NUPGE and contractual terms and conditions are respected by the new employer.

Workers' rights must be respected

“These pledges are a very clear signal to government that, if they choose to further privatize home support work without ensuring the workers’ rights and benefits are respected, they will be faced with a crisis in home care,” said NSGEU President Joan Jessome.

Minister urged to avoid a crisis

“This disaster can be easily avoided: the Minister of Health can guaranteein writingthat workers’ union representation and collective agreements will follow them to whichever employer is selected to deliver the care.”

The presentation of the pledges was made at the Legislature following a series of province-wide rallies organized by the Nova Scotia Citizen's Health Care Network.

NUPGE

The National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE) is one of Canada's largest labour organizations with over 340,000 members. Our mission is to improve the lives of working families and to build a stronger Canada by ensuring our common wealth is used for the common good. NUPGE