ABOUT US

As a provincial umbrella labour organization we are committed to the principle of advancing the social and economic well-being of the workers of Nova Scotia; as well as attempting to secure legislative change which will safeguard and promote the principles of free collective bargaining, the rights of workers, human rights and the security and welfare of all people.

There have been so many actions, campaigns and mobilizations during the past few years and rather than attempt to list them all; we would like to express our appreciation for the support given both from the Labour Movement and the general public-without your support we would not have achieved the successes and victories we have; but there is much more to do.

Having our web site up and running is one more way that we can get important information to you and for you to get important information to us.

One issue I do want to emphasize is the definition of mobilizing and taking action. It is not just about having a demonstration or a rally, although these are important and are very effective. Political action can take many forms-it can be writing a letter to the editor of your local newsletter or calling or writing your MLA or MP about. It is about shopping at stores that do not buy products made in sweatshops and telling your friends and family about why you are doing it. It can also be talking to your co-workers about the news of the day and encouraging debate.

Anything we can do to help advance our cause, to make work and life better for Nova Scotians is a form of political action.

Supporting each other is one of the greatest forms of action-we must believe and live "an injury to one is an injury to all" and not allow injustice to go unchallenged.

Political action can also be about creating a web site to get information to people about important issues that affect workers and their families and inviting input, just like this site.

Thank you for visiting our site and please visit often.

Rick Clarke,
President

The Nova Scotia Federation of Labour is the province's central labour body. It was established, along with other Federations of Labour, after the creation of the Canadian Labour Congress in 1956, to further the aims and objectives of its affiliated unions.

The Federation speaks on behalf of and represents the interests of organized and unorganized workers. It promotes decent wages and working conditions, improved health and safety laws and lobbies for fair taxes and strong social programs. It works for social equality, and to end racism and discrimination.

While the Federation does not deal with collective bargaining directly, it does focus on issues such as provincial labour standards, workers' compensation and occupational health and safety standards, which do have an effect on and are affected by industrial relations.

Five community based Labour Councils are affiliated to the Federation from Annapolis Valley, Cape Breton District, Halifax-Dartmouth and District, South Shore, and Strait Area. The Federation works with the Councils in their communities as they endeavour to carry through the policies of the trade union movement initiated at the provincial and national levels and enable labour to play a role in their communities.

Today, the Federation represents approximately 70,000 members of affiliated unions in more than 350 locals working in every aspect of Nova Scotia's economy.

The Federation's role is primarily a legislative one, in which it lobbies government on behalf of workers on a wide and varied range of issues.

Included among them:

• Occupational health and safety
• Medicare and health care
• Workers' Compensation legislation
• women's rights
• anti-racism
• human rights
• The Trade Union Act
• social programs
• child care
• labour standards, minimum wage
• housing
• pensions
• literacy
• transportation
• environment
• workplace training
• political action

The Federation provides strike support whenever called upon, by making a direct donation, sending a strike appeal to affiliates, making a presentation to government for intervention, supporting a boycott or holding a support rally.

Over the years the Federation has been on hundreds of picket lines and supported as many demonstrations, standing shoulder to shoulder with workers fighting for fairness.

The Nova Scotia Federation of Labour was founded on a principle of justice and dignity for all and it will always be front and centre in the battle for a just society.

The Federation Executive Council is made up of seven officers, at least two of whom must be women: A President, a First Vice-President, a Secretary-Treasurer, three Vice-Presidents-at-Large and a Vice-President Representative of Workers of Colour. Fifteen General Vice-Presidents from the major unions make up the rest.

The convention is held every two years during which delegates from affiliated unions set policy and future direction for the Federation and elect the Executive Council.

The president and two staff members work out of the Federation office on a full-time basis.