Posts published in April 2026
Early childhood educators, ECEs, across Nova Scotia are calling out ongoing delays in receiving back pay they are owed. Employers have confirmed that required paperwork has been submitted, and that government is the source of the months-long delay.
Workers say the issue is no longer administrative—it is about respect.
“Workers have done everything required. Our employers have done everything they were asked to. And still, months later, we’re not being paid,” said Jennifer Chase, a Bridgewater-based ECE and president of CUPE 3688. “At this point, it feels deeply disrespectful to have our wages held back like this.”
The Minister has had since November to finalize a formula for distributing retroactive pay. While other public sector workers have already received their retroactive wages, ECEs say they have been left behind without explanation.
“Minister Brendan Maguire told the public this was being worked on ‘around the clock,’” said Tabitha Warren, a Halifax-area ECE and president of CUPE 4745. “If that’s the case, then where are the results? We need direct answers.”
The local says the delay sends the wrong message to a workforce that is essential to the functioning of the entire economy.
“Our sector is what allows every other sector to operate,” said Warren. “You can’t say you value early childhood educators while withholding wages they’ve already earned.”
Workers are calling for the immediate release of all outstanding retroactive pay, a clear public explanation for the delays, and a firm timeline for payment.
They warn that if action is not taken quickly, they are prepared to escalate.
“This is money we’ve already earned,” said Chase. “We are ready to take the next steps to get what we’re owed.”
After nearly three months of collective bargaining, members of CUPE 1600 at the Toronto Zoo have reached a tentative agreement.
“We’re pleased to have reached a tentative agreement that reflects the needs of our entire membership, including both permanent and seasonal workers,” said Lynda Bongelli, president of CUPE 1600. “Our bargaining committee worked hard throughout negotiations, and I’m proud of what they’ve done with the support of our members to reach this agreement.”
The union will not disclose specific details of the tentative agreement until CUPE 1600 members have had the opportunity to review its contents and vote on the agreement.
CUPE 1600 represents more than 400 workers across over 140 roles at the Toronto Zoo, including zookeepers, horticulturalists, trades workers, educators, conservation staff, and guest services workers.
Presidents of BC K-12 school support locals are endorsing the new Provincial Framework Agreement reached earlier this week. The BC Public School Employers’ Association (BCPSEA) is also endorsing the agreement for inclusion in local collective agreements. The agreement provides locals with the ability to respond to their membership’s needs at the local level. Some key highlights include:
The agreement has a 4-year term in effect from July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2029. It includes a general wage increase of 3% in each year, retroactive to July 1, 2025.
Labour market adjustments
The agreement allocates $4.1 million for locals and school districts to jointly apply for labour market adjustments for positions facing recruitment and retention challenges.
Local bargaining
Local bargaining tables will have $15.9 million available to negotiate ongoing service and learning improvements that have a direct or supporting connection to student learning. This can include, but is not limited to, increased hours, increased full-time employees, and professional development. This funding will be allocated to local tables based on full-time enrolled students in the districts, with a minimum amount allocated for small districts.
Public Education Benefits Trust
Regular annual funding to the Trust will continue, with an additional $13,395,000 in new annual funding to ensure continuing long-term disability benefits.
Extended benefits
New funds are allocated for improving the Standardized Extended Benefits Plan.
Provincial Classification Support System
During the term of the agreement, the K-12 Presidents Council and BCPSEA agree to finalize the Provincial Classification Support System. This replaces the Provincial Joint Job Evaluation Plan. Previously negotiated funds will be allocated to locals and districts to support existing or new job evaluation plans.
Addressing violence in the workplace
There are several new provisions addressing violence experienced by school support workers in the workplace. These provisions require employers to:
- Ensure workers have access to supports following work-related traumatic incidents
- Provide and make workers aware of violence prevention and response materials, and procedures and forms to complete in response to violent incidents
Contracting out
There is a new provision requiring school districts to provide information to locals on the contracting out of work.
Next steps
Local bargaining can now begin in all districts. Local collective agreements must be ratified by January 15, 2027.
Once a local tentative agreement is reached, the local’s membership will have the opportunity to vote on ratification of the agreement, including the Provincial Framework Agreement as an appendix to that local’s tentative agreement.
If you have questions about the Provincial Framework Agreement or local bargaining, please contact your local.
CLICK HERE for the complete 2025-2029 Provincial Framework Agreement
Members of the CUPE Saskatchewan Municipal Employees’ Committee (SMEC) sponsored registration and hosted an engaging booth at this year’s SUMA Convention and Tradeshow held from April 12 to 15 in Regina.
SMEC’s booth featured a “look book” highlighting the wide range of vital services CUPE municipal members provide in communities across Saskatchewan, along with a prize draw for convention attendees.
“We had many valuable conversations with elected municipal leaders about the important role CUPE members play in delivering reliable, high quality public services,” said Scott Fischer, chair of SMEC.
SMEC used the convention as an opportunity to strengthen relationships, raise awareness, and ensure municipal leaders better understand the people who keep their communities running every day.