stall

Negotiations have stalled between the union that represents more than 5,500 school support staff and education system employers and the Nova Scotia government.

In an email to Acadia News, Monday afternoon, Mary-Dan Johnston with CUPE said they have no new statement after conciliated talks on Friday.

“We’ve not been called back to the bargaining table by government and the employers yet.”

According to the union, concerns include quality of education and wages.

Job action would affect positions that include early childhood educators, janitors, cafeteria workers and bus drivers in eight locals across Nova Scotia.

A letter was sent to families on Thursday, Oct. 15, outlining the potential impacts of a CUPE support staff strike. Some families whose children have disabilities say they are very concerned about the impact of a strike.

Johnston said more information on next steps will be in the coming days.

In an email to our newsroom, the education department said that CUPE has not submitted a strike notice.

“We remain hopeful that a resolution can be found between the parties to help minimize the chance the impacts to all student learning and well-being, and that the parties can reach renewed agreements prior to any job action and contingency plans being required.”