ARCHIVES

December 30, 2011 - New Year's Message from NSFL President Rick Clarke.

November 28, 2011 - First Contract Arbitration is in Law Amendments right now after a long lead-up. The Labour-Management Review Committee called for submissions and many of our affiliates responded, as did the Federation. President Clarke also wrote an opinion piece that was published in the Chronicle Herald.

NSFL Submission on First Contract Arbitration

President Clarke's opinion piece for Herald on First Contract Arbitration

November 25, 2011 - Call for all Locals and Labour Councils, please send in nominations for NSFL Committees, details here....

November 15, 2011 - Workers at AbititbiBowater Mill are in impossible situation. More...

October 28, 2011 - Over 200 delegates attended the 46th Convention of the Nova Scotia Federation of Labour. For highlights and our press release from the last day, during which elections were held, please click on the links below.

Convention News, Monday, October 24, 2011

Convention News, Tuesday, October 25, 2011

Convention News, Wednesday, October 26, 2011

Press Release for final day of convention

October 2, 2011 - Media Statement from the N.S. Federation of Labour President Rick Clarke: Labour mourns the loss of a great labour leader – Nancy Riche. More...

Georgetti Praises Nancy Riche – Says workers everywhere have lost a fighter

October 2, 2011 - OTTAWA – The Canadian Labour Congress (CLC) today is mourning the death of Nancy Riche, one of Canada’s leading women labour leaders and a tireless advocate for workers’ and women’s rights.

“We are all saddened by Nancy’s death. Workers everywhere have lost a fighter,” says Ken Georgetti, president of the CLC. “She never backed down from a challenge, and never stopped working for everyday working people.”

A champion of women’s rights and a pioneer in the Canadian women’s movement, Riche, a former CLC Secretary-Treasurer, passed away Saturday following complications from a heart condition.

Riche came to the Canadian Labour Congress as a seasoned union leader and activist. A community college instructor in Newfoundland and Labrador, she served from 1984 to 1986 as Secretary-Treasurer of the National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE), the national umbrella union representing the interests of provincial public service workers.

As a prominent union activist, Riche also held the position of Vice-President of the Newfoundland and Labrador Federation of Labour for the six years ending in 1984.

Riche’s earliest union involvement convinced her of the need for labour to push its agenda in the political arena. As such, she has been a long-time supporter of the New Democratic Party, and served as the federal NDP’s Associate President (Labour).

In 1995, Riche was awarded an Honourary Degree from Memorial University of Newfoundland, from which she graduated in 1977.

As one of Canada’s leading female labour leaders, Riche served as Vice-President of the Brussels-based International Confederation of Free Trade Unions (ICFTU) and Chair of its Women’s Committee from 1993-2002.

She has also been recognized for her outstanding contribution to the lives of working women in Canada and around the world. In 2002, she received both the National Action Committee on the Status of Women (NAC) Woman of Courage Award and the Governor-General’s Award in Commemoration of the Persons Case. In 2004, she became an Officer of the Order of Canada.

“Nancy’s contribution to the social fabric of Canada will live on in the work of the countless labour and women’s activists whose lives she touched and inspired,” Georgetti says.

The Canadian Labour Congress, the national voice of the labour movement, represents 3.2 million Canadian workers. The CLC brings together Canada’s national and international unions along with the provincial and territorial Federations of Labour and 130 district Labour Councils. Website: www.canadianlabour.ca

September 2, 2011 - Happy Labour Day weekend! Nova Scotia Federation of Labour President Rick Clarke will be joined by Premier Darrell Dexter and Canadian Labour Congress President Ken Georgetti at the Halifax Labour Day Celebration on Monday.

To read President Clarke's Labour Day message, please click here.

Please join us for Labour Day celebrations across the province. For more information on events in your area, please read our newsletter.

September 1, 2011

Sisters and Brothers,

I am writing today to ask your help as we push for over 10,000 declarations of support across Canada for a winning shipbuilding bid in Nova Scotia. We are less than 1700 pins shy of our goal on http://CanadianShipsStartHere.ca, and with your help we can get there.

Please send a prompt to your email database, asking them to push for 10,000. Here's what we will be sending to our email list, please use this verbatim or edit as appropriate!

Email Subject: Help us reach 10,000 pins!

We're close to 10,000 pins on CanadianShipsStartHere.ca! So close.

Let's push it over the top!

Why does that matter?

10,000 pins means that these 10,000 Canadians care about where the next federal fleet is built. And they want to be heard.

10,000 pins means that Canadians want to make sure that Canada's fleet is built by the best shipbuilders in Canada in the best shipyard in the country.

10,000 pins means that Canada supports Canadian shipbuilding.

Shipbuilding is in our blood on the East Coast. We know we've said it before, but think about that. The vessels we build get put on dimes. The ships we build make up 80% of the current surface combat fleet already. Canada has that much confidence in our shipbuilding, so why would ships get built anywhere else?

Plus, an investment in shipbuilding in Atlantic Canada has the greatest economic impact across all of Canada.

Show your support today for Canadian shipbuilding. Go to CanadianShipsStartHere.ca and leave a pin on the map. Write a comment. And, most importantly, tell your friends. Tell your colleagues. Tell everyone. Help us reach 10,000 declarations of support.

Tell Canada, tell the world: Canadian ships start here. Please check http://shipsstarthere.ca/ for updates!

In solidarity,

RICK CLARKE
President

Labour mourns the loss of a great National Leader and a friend – Jack Layton

August 22, 2011 - On behalf of the 70,000 affiliated members of the NSFL, it’s affiliated member unions, and Executive Council, I would like to extend our deepest and most sincere condolences and feelings of loss to the family of Jack Layton. Jack cared deeply for his family, and I can only imagine how devastated they must be.

This is indeed a sad day for Jack's family and friends, and for Canada. Jack was an inspirational leader and a truly great and dedicated Canadian, being a progressive voice on so many important issues on behalf of Canadians from all walks of life. Premier Dexter said it best when he said in his statement-

“Today Canadians lost a man with the rare ability to both lead and unite our country - a man with an infectious enthusiasm and a fighting spirit that so many of us came to admire and love.”

His years of dedicated service have left a legacy that will live on for generations. Today we remember and mourn the loss of a great Canadian who has accomplished so much in our interest – tomorrow we honour Jack and the legacy he left by working to make a difference for Canada and Canadians.

On a personal note, I had the great opportunity of knowing and working with Jack for a number of years, building a great relationship, and considered him a friend. I will indeed mourn the loss of not only a truly great National Leader, but a friend as well.

In Solidarity and Friendship,

Rick Clarke

NSFL President

Join us for 24th Annual Halifax Pride Parade on July 23rd from 1:30 pm until 3:00 pm...

July 20, 2011 - This is the second year the NS Federation of Labour will have a float in the annual Pride Parade through the heart of the city.  Halifax has the fourth largest Pride Parade in Canada.  Halifax is renowned for its family friendly community strong parade.  This year’s parade will be no different.  Last year there were 60,000 spectators and 1,400 parade participants, and this year's parade promises to be even bigger.  The Parade starts at 1:30pm and follows the best route ever through our beautiful city to the Garrison Grounds.  We are proud to march 'better together' in Pride!   

Marshaling starts at 11:30AM at Cornwallis and Upper Water Street. Anti-Racism/Human Rights Committee Chair Jason MacLean and the other committee members will be putting the final touches on all their hard work on the float. Please join us in what will be a great day of celebration!

**Route: Lower Water Street to Barrington to Spring Garden to South Park.
For more information, please contact Joan Wark at this email or the number below. Please check out he Halifax Pride website for info on other events this week: http://www.halifaxpride.com/

June 29, 2011 - Declare your support for the best Canadian ships built by the best: Irving Shipbuilding!

There's a competition happening right now in Canada. It's called the National Shipbuilding Procurement Strategy, and it will decide which of four Canadian shipyards will earn the work to build the next generation of Canadian naval vessels. The economic impact of this project cannot be overstated: it's huge.

This is the biggest opportunity for Nova Scotia since the navy was established 100 years ago.

This is a merit-based contest and we want Canadians and decision-makers in Ottawa to understand three important points:

1.    That Nova Scotia is built to build ships. Irving Shipbuilders have built more than 80% of the surface combat surface fleet. No other yard is better suited to win this bid. We are truly Canada's best shipyard.

2.    That if Irving Shipbuilding wins this bid, all of Canada will win this bid, all of Canada will benefit more than if any other shipyard were to win. If Halifax wins, Canada wins.

3.    Irving Shipbuilding is the only Canadian-owned shipyard in the competition.

Please spread the word. Visit the website and take action. Spread the word to your unions,  labour councils, family and friends and ask them to do the same.

June 17, 2011 - Join us on Saturday, June 18th at rallies in Sydney and Halifax in support of locked-out members of the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) who are facing back-to-work legislation. Halifax rally at 2 pm across from Almon Street Post Office. Sydney rally and march starts at 1:30 pm at the corner of Pitt and George Streets.

For more information on the rallies, click the city you are interested in. Halifax or Sydney.

May 19, 2011 - In June 2010, the federal government initiated the National Shipbuilding Procurement Strategy: a formal process to select two Canadian shipyards for construction of large vessels. RFP responses are due July 7th, 2011, and a decision is expected in late summer or early fall.

ShipsStartHere.ca is about Nova Scotia’s response to the NSPS opportunity.

April 19, 2011 - Read about April 28th Day of Mourning events and upcoming conferences here...

April 14, 2011 - Federation President Rick Clarke urges provincial government to adopt recommendation of Minimum Wage Committee. To read the press release, click here.

To read the full NSFL response to the Minimum Wage Committee Report, click here.

February 24, 2011 - NSFL President Rick Clarke was a member of the Committee appointed to develop a poverty reduction strategy for Nova Scotia. Click here to read some highlights of what has been happening.

January 28, 2011 - Federation President Clarke urges more productive and meaningful discussion on Nova Scotia’s Education System . More...

January 1, 2011 - Happy New Year from the Executive and Staff of the Nova Scotia Federation on Labour. To read President Clarke's New Year's message, click here.

December 3, 2010 -

NSFL Women’s Committee Conference
“Strong Women • Strong Unions”

March 4, 5 & 6, 2011

Click here for official Conference Call and registration form.

September 23, 2010 -

On September 6, 2010 Labour Day celebrations were held around the province.

Hundreds attended the Halifax-Dartmouth and District Labour Council rally and parade.

September 2, 2010 - On Labour Day we recognize and pay tribute to the many valuable social and economic achievements made by working people.
Click here to read the Labour Day 2010 Message from Rick Clarke, President

August 23, 2010 -

Farmers Boycott over

The workers at Farmers Dairy (CEP Local 40N) have ratified a Collective Agreement with the employer, and have requested that the Nova Scotia Federation of Labour & its affiliate unions end the boycott of Farmers Dairy products.

Congratulations to the members of CEP Local 40N in standing strong throughouta lockout that lasted more than five weeks.

June 21, 2010 - The Nova Scotia Federation of Labour in partnership with Higgins General Insurance is pleased to offer its sixth annual bursary in the amount of $1000.00. This bursary will be offered  to a full-time student who will be attending university or trade school/community college for the first time or as a returning student.

June 11, 2010- If you are travelling between Nova Scotia and New Brunswick, please support our CAW brothers and sisters by filling up at the Gas Bar at 17 Lawrence St. In Amherst. More...

May 5, 2010 - NSFL First Vice-President Joan Jessome laid a wreath at the Day of Mourning ceremony held at Province House on April 28th. She also spoke at the event along with Canadian Labour Congress Execurive Vice-President Barb Byers and Halifax-Dartmouth and District Labour Council President Kyle Buott.

Other ceremonies were held around the province sponsored by the the Annapolis Valley Labour Council, the Strait Area Labour Council, the South Shore Labour Council and the Cape Breaton District Labour Council and the Town of New Glasgow.

April 1, 2010 - Latest Nova Scotia Worker Update with April 28th, Day of Mourning Ceremony details and information on the Nova Scotia Federation of Union Retirees AGM on May 15, 2010. Read...

March 25, 2010 -

NSFL president Rick Clarke and CAW Local 1 & NSFL General Vice President Karl Risser at the Halifax Shipyard speaking with Economic and Rural Development Minister Percy Paris. On February 25th, the Dexter Government announced a $20-million investment in the Halifax Shipyard to help create jobs. The investment is a repayable loan and will be used to modernize and upgrade infrastructure to increase competitiveness.

January 12, 2010 - Federation President Rick Clarke urges NS government to honour wage parity. More...

January 4, 2010 - President Clarke's New Year's message. Read...

November 24, 2009 - Federation condemns Gerald Keddy's rant against Nova Scotians. More...

November 16, 2009 -

Send a Message to your Member of Parliament!

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Canada is at a crossroads, just like it was forty years ago when it was time to do something about our health care system. Today, we need to do something about retirement income, and we need to do it soon.

All that's needed is some leadership from the federal government. Which is why we need you to tell your Member of Parliament that you support the Canadian Labour Congress' campaign for "Retirement Security for everyone!"

We made Canada a better country when we moved forward together and created a health care system that works for everyone.

Let's do it again and give every Canadian the chance to retire from work and live their last years in dignity.

Send this message to your MP today.

Please share this new tool with your networks today. Ask them to share it with their contacts too.

November 16, 2009 - Highlights from 45th Federation of Labour Convention

Convention News, October 26

Convention News, October 27

Convention News, October 28

NSFL Press Release, October 28, 2009

September 4, 2009 - Labour Day Message from NSFL President, Rick Clarke. Read...

August 27, 2009 - Labour Day celebrations throughout the province. More...

June 3, 2009 -The BETTER CHOICE NOVA SCOTIA 2009 focuses on six issues of interest to working people and unions throughout the province. Read President Rick Clarke's letter to affiliates.

May 29, 2009 -

May 29, 2009 - Billions in EI surplus and workers still not qualifying, read Rick Clarke's opinion piece.

April 27, 2009 - Day of Mourning press release from NSFL President Rick Clarke and updated agenda of province-wide events. More...

April 27, 2009 - Federation President Rick Clarke's opinion piece on April 28th Day of Mourning appeared in The Chronicle Herald on April 24th. Read...

April 24, 2009 - Day of Mourning Ceremony, Pictou County

Day of Mourning ceremony to be held at Trenton Park, Tuesday April 28, at 6pm.

There will also be a wreath laying ceremony, if any locals are interested in taking part.

April 21, 2009 -A delegation of the Canadian Labour Congress is here in Geneva to engage with the UN Durban Review Process. This conference is intended to assess UN member nations efforts to eliminate racism since the landmark declaration agreed to in Durban in 2001. Website...

April 14, 2009 - Labour Federation calls on Servisair to get back to the bargaining table. More...

April 8, 2009 - Read the latest Nova Scotia Worker Update with information on April 28 Day of Mourning Ceremonies across the province.

March 12, 2009 - Join us on Saturday, March 14 at 2 pm to support local news! Press Release...

March 12, 2009 - Federation calls on Premier to immediately release details of economic stimulus plan. Press Release...

February 27, 2009 - Federation of Labour's response to the latest Minimum Wage Review Committee Report. Read...

Other documents related to our submission:

Response to 2008 Minimum Wage Review Committee Report

CCPA-NS paper, "Hard Working Province: Is It enough? Rising profits and falling labour shares in Nova Scotia"

February 27, 2009 - President Rick Clarke has written an open letter to Premier Rodney MacDonald on the New Brunswick and Nova Scotia Partnership Agreement on Regulation and the Economy (PARE). Read...

January 26, 2009 - Job losses in the Valley point to need for balanced representation on NS Economic Advisory Panel. Read...

January 16, 2009 - Canadian Labour Congress "Get Real: It's the Economy" campaign.

January 16, 2009 - GrowthWorks Atlantic Venture Fund is offering an exciting lunch benefit to union members in 2009. More...

January 7, 2009 - Petro Canada Boycott is over. More...

December 24, 2008 - President Clarke's New Year's message. Read...

December 23, 2008 - PSAC members accept final offer from Canada Post. More...

December 17, 2008 - Over 2000 Members of the Union of Postal Communications Employees (PSAC) are on strike across Canada. Read what is going on across the country and find out how you can help Halifax workers on the picket line.

UPCE STRIKE BULLETIN– Day 30

Adopt a Picket Line

Pizza Party

Direct result of strike on CPC operations

December 17, 2008 - The latest NSFL Update, featuring details on how to register for the NSFL Women’s Committee Conference, “Bridging the Connection”, being held at the Holiday Inn Select in Stellarton, March 6, 7 & 8, 2009. Read...

December 3, 2008 -

Let's Make Parliament Work!

HALIFAX INDOOR RALLY
for a COALITION GOVERNMENT NOW!

Thursday December 4th
5:30pm to 7:00pm

POSTER...

December 1, 2008 -

Click Image

November 28, 2008 - Teaching students about health and safety is good news says Labour Federation. Press release...

November 24, 2008 - Labour Federation Executive will join Striking Canada Post workers on picket line on Tuesday. Press release...

November 20, 2008 -PSAC/Canada Post Strike, It’s about more than money. Read...

November 18, 2008 - The Canadian Labour Congress has called a boycott against Petro Canada.

Letter from CLC President, Jen Georgetti

Letter from CEP National President, Dave Coles

October 9, 2008 - N.S. Federation of Labour calls for debate on Temporary Foreign Workers Program. Press Release...

October 3, 2008 - Federal election rules limit what we say about the election on our public news page. Therefore, we talk more to the issues facing workers and their families in our Members Only section. Please login on the left of this page. For more information, please contact the Federation office at 454-6735.

October 3, 2008 - Federal Election ’08, Get Involved! This election is about our jobs, our pay cheques, our families and our futures.

Read Federation President Rick Clarke's letter to affiliates.

October 2, 2008 - Working families deserve a parliament that makes their needs a top priority. Read...

September 26, 2008 - The latest NSFL Update, featuring details on how to register for the NSFL OH&S/WCB Committee Conference Back to Basics being held at the Citadel Hotel, Halifax, November 7, 8 & 9, 2008. Read...

September 26, 2008 - Municipal politics matter to working families. On October 18th when Nova Scotians go to the polls they will be deciding who stands up for working families. It is time to demand a fair deal for your communities.

Making Waves in the Atlantic Region (PDF)

Priorities for the Cape Breton Regional Municipality (PDF)

Priorities for the Halifax Regional Municipality (PDF)

September 16, 2008 - Why isn’t the NS Government using the interrupter clause to help Nova Scotians at the gas pumps? Federation President Rick Clarke issued a press release today. Read more...

September 4, 2008 -N.S. Federation of Labour submission to Canada Post Corporation's Stretegic Review. Read...

September 3, 2008 - Airlines: Support CUPE flight attendants

CUPE flight attendants are fighting for their jobs as Air Canada plans to slash 300 jobs in Vancouver, 187 in Halifax and 144 in Winnipeg. Flight attendants bases in Halifax and Winnipeg would be closed. Click on the CUPE link below to help, by circulating and signing a petition and sending a letter to your MP.

September 2, 2008 - Rick Clarke's Labour Day Message 2008. Read...

September 1, 2008 - Canadian Labour Congress Executive Vice-President Marie Clarke Walker and Federation of Labour President Rick Clarke at Labour Day celebration organized by the Halifax-Dartmouth and District Labour Council.

August 20, 2008 - Check out this year's Labour Day activities in the latest Update...

April 21, 2008 - President Rick Clarke, presentation to House of Commons Standing Committee on Temporary Foreign Workers. Read...

April 4, 2008 - New Poll Says It's Time the MacDonald Government Focused on Recruitment and Retention. More...

April 4, 2008 - PRESS RELEASE: Viewpoints Poll Shows Nova Scotians Oppose P3s, Prefer Public Surgery Clinics

February 27, 2008 - P3 infrastructure wrong choice for Nova Scotia says Federation of Labour. Read...

February 24, 2008 -Coalition of Nova Scotia Health Care Unions request meeting with Premier. More...

December 19, 2007 New Year’s Message from Nova Scotia Federation President Rick Clarke Read...

December 18, 2007 Workers finally have new law to protect their wages

Canadian workers have finally won new legal protection for their wages and their pension contributions when their employer goes bankrupt.

This was accomplished after an intensive three-year campaign by the Canadian Labour Congress and its affiliated unions and federations of labour to change bankruptcy laws that unfairly put workers last line to get paid.

To print the English PDF version, please click the link below

http://canadianlabour.ca/index.php/media/1302

December 12, 2007 The Canadian Bankers' Association President and CEO has written a letter "What Canada Needs for Christmas".....Rick Clarke has responded, Read more...

November 28, 2007 Going Backwards on Women's Equality Read on...

November 28, 2007Premier “resorting to distortion” to try and win support for strike ban law Read on...

October 16, 2007 JOB OPPORTUNITY WITH GROWTHWORKS ATLANTIC VENTURE FUND Read on

October 12, 2007- The Coalition representing Nova Scotia Healthcare Workers in the Fight to Retain their Collective Barganing Rights Maintains that they Will Not Participate in Talks Pertaining to the Right to Strike Read On...

October 12, 2007- 80% of Nova Scotians Believe Strike Ban Won't Fix Pressing Healthcare Problems: Poll....

September 6, 2007 In a recent opinion piece published in the Halifax Herald, President Clarke calls for open debate in trade deals, Read on...

September 4 , 2007 CHECK IT OUT!

www.dontmakehealthshortagesworse.ca

August 30, 2007 A Labour Day Message from Rick Clarke, President of the Nova Scotia Federation of Labour Read On...

August 31, 2007 Earlier this week, President Clarke sent an open letter to all retailers asking them to reconsider opening their doors on Labour Day. Now, some stores have decided to stay closed. Read On...

May 17, 2007 Attacking workers' rights will not fix Nova Scotia's health care system Read On...

May 11, 2007 NSFL President Rick Clarke Comments on Atlantica Read On...

May 9, 2007 Day of Mourning April 28, 2007

“As we gather today to remember, mourn and pay tribute to the twenty- two Nova Scotian workers who lost their lives due to workplace injury or illness; we must also use this Day of Mourning to commit to take real steps and measures to make our workplaces safe and healthy for all workers,” said Nova Scotia Federation of Labour President Rick Clarke.” Far too many workers are being killed or injured on the job every year, a fact everyone is only to well aware of but again today we mourn the loss of twenty-two workers. If we hope to see a cultural change to improve workplace safety and health it is up to government, business and labour to take up the challenge and to work together to make it happen.”

“Workplace accidents and fatalities have a devastating impact on families, workplaces and communities and workers their families and there communities are depending on us, collectively, to do what is necessary to provide resources, tools and legislative/regulatory support to ensure a workers can return home from work at the end of the day safe and healthy.” Said Clarke “They deserve nothing less."

May 9, 2007

First-ever workshop on bullying in the workplace held on April 27 for labour representatives, employers and government

With a new provincial regulation on workplace violence recently passed, The N.S. Federation of Labour, in partnership with the Workers' Compensation Board and the Department of Environment and Labour held a workshop which focused on identifying, assessing, investigating and intervening in cases of bullying and harassment.

Over 150 employer and union representativers attended and 200 people were on a waiting list.

May 9, 2007 In the next federal election, remember how your MP voted on anti-scab legislation Read On...

November 20 , 2006 GrowthWorks Atlantic Venture Fund is a labour sponsored Venture Capital Fund. It provides its shareholders with extra tax breaks. All the money invested stays in Atlantic Canada, where it helps to build new jobs and support already established businesses in the area. Click the site to learn more!

http://www.growthworks.ca/funds/atlantic/

May 1 , 2007 NSGEU announces end to IWK with 90% strike vote Read On...

April 30, 2007 Rodney MacDonald Responsible for IWK Strike Talks Break Down When MacDonald Government Refuses Fair and Reasonable Proposal on Retiree Benefits Read On...

February 15, 2007 Atlantica proposal "deeply flawed" and "unrealistic," economic analysis findsRead on

December 21 , 2006 New Year’s Message from Nova Scotia Federation of Labour President Rick Clarke Read On...

November 20 , 2006 Federation President Rick Clarke responds to Labour Standards Department consultation on whether workers should be entitled to meal breaks Read On...

September 20, 2006 Labour Federation supports NDP campaign to“Cut the Fees” for post-secondary education Read on...

October 30, 2006 A tentative agreement has been reached between five unions representing health care workers and the NSAHO in the dispute over pensions Read On...

August 31, 2006 - Labour Day Message from Federation President Rick Clarke... Read on

September 8 , 2006 Support Federal Anti-Scab Legislation - Call Your MP before October 18, 2006 Read On...

August 24, 2006 - CUPE Member Wins Education Award< Read on...

May 23 , 2006 - Working families want withdrawal from Afghanistan <more

August 10, 2006 - Check out the latest Update for info on Labour Day events across the province and public meetings/conference being hosted by our Federation of Union Retirees Read on...

May 25 , 2006 - Check out the new Council of Canadians website dedicated to the fight against privatization

http://www.profitisnotthecure.ca/

May 11, 2006 - Locked out fish plant workers come to Province House

"One of those workers was a reservist who was a letter carrier who gave up his job to go out on behalf of Canada...all fallen soldiers are included in our tribute today."

"Our workplace laws and regulations need to be expanded, strengthened and enforced to protect workers on the job," said Clarke.

April 25, 2006 - Frank Corbett, MLA for Cape Breton Centre is hoping Premier Rodney MacDonald will introduce long-awaited violence in the workplace regulations, this week more>

January 30, 2006 - Read the latest on CEP 972 Locked out Workers...<more

February 21, 2006 - CEP Local 972 represents over 700 members of Clerical, Main Mill, and Woodlands divisions of Stora Enso Port Hawkesbury, Nova Scotia, Canada. The Main Mill and Clerical workers have been locked out by Stora Enso Port Hawkesbury since January 26, 2006.
Check out the latest news on their website CEP Local 972

April 25, 2006 - As of today, CEP Local 972 members have been locked out for 122 days, see more

May 26, 2006 - We can make a difference in this election--support the NDP, here's how...<more

June 9, 2006 - Support the Labour NDP Candidate in your area <more

June 8, 2006 - Families, young people, seniors and students can win next Tuesday <more

June 1, 2006 - Union families make their choice...for the first time ever, the Nova Scotia Federation of Labour carried out a province-wide poll of unionized households to find out what issues union women and men want our next provincial government to look like... <CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION

May 29, 2006 - On June 13th, Nova Scotians will go to the polls to elect a new legislative assembly. They will choose between Darrell Dexter’s NDP and a Conservative agenda ... <more

January 30, 2006 - Five and a half month strike over at National Gypsum ...<more

January 30, 2006 - Federation Letter to School Board RE: Steelworkers' STRIKE ...<more

January 30, 2006 - Labour Federation questions School Board push for replacement workers...<more

March 1 , 2006 - March & Rally in Support of CEP Local 972
On Saturday March 18, 2006 CEP Local 972 will hold a March & Rally in support of their members and families, who have been locked out by their employer Stora Enso, Port Hawkesbury, N.S.

All unions, affiliates, associations, and general public are invited to attend and take part in this show of support and Solidarity.

Our CEP Building is located at 323 Reeves Street, which is between the Dairy Queen & the Anglican Church, Port Hawkesbury, NS.

“Please Park at Anglican Church Parking Lot through entrance off of Pitt Street”

March will start promptly at 2:00 pm. from Union Parking lot down Reeves Street and back, and will be followed by some speakers back at Union Hall afterwards.

Dress warm and bring your banners, signs, flags, friends and families.

“If You Don’t Stand For Something – You Will Fall For Anything”

If more information is required, or you have any questions or concerns you may contact:

Tom Mc NamaraPh # (902) 625-1245 – Union Office
Fax#(902) 625-5943 – Union Office
E-mail: cep.972@ns.sympatico.ca

Also you may want to check our new Web Site: www.cep972.ca

November 24 , 2005 - Nova Scotia Makes Poor Showing on Child Poverty – Report <more
HALIFAX: Child poverty in Nova Scotia has increased for the fourth year running and now stands at 20.7 percent, according to a report released today by the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives. The Nova Scotia Child Poverty Report Card, published annually since 1999, says this now puts one in five Nova Scotia children at risk of the many negative outcomes related to poverty, including poorer nutrition, poorer health, greater likelihood of failing in school and decreased economic prospects as they enter adulthood. Nova Scotia children in female lone-parent families are four times more likely to be affected than those in two-parent families. The report also finds that Nova Scotia continues to make less progress in reducing the rate of child poverty than any other province in the region.

For further information contact: Pauline Raven (902) 542-3085; (902) 670-2949 (cell), or John Jacobs (902) 477-1252

August 22, 2005 - NDP LAUNCHES PETITION TO STOP UNFAIR POWER RATE HIKES for more information or to sign the petition click.

January 17, 2006 - Looking Ahead to 2006

In 2005, we worked on many issues important to Nova Scotians, including: much-needed reform of the province’s labour laws; occupational health and safety, immigration, health care, workers’ compensation, employment insurance, pensions, human rights and anti-racism issues, women’s issues, child care, youth and social justice issues.

Our minority government structure lets us work with the parties towards positive change for Nova Scotians. We have made some gains this year and we look forward to continuing to work within this structure.

In addition to their daily work, worker representatives, through the Federation of Labour, sit on many government boards and committees that deal with issues that affect us all. One of these is the Minimum Wage Review Committee, whose work resulted in a fair increase, not what we had hoped for, but it is a start and our efforts will continue.

We intensified our efforts for government to advance and enact regulations pursuant to the Occupational Health and Safety (OH&S) Act currently sitting in backlog -- OHS regulations are an intricate part of workplace health and safety and government must act.

Health care continues to be a high priority; Nova Scotians want the problems with health care addressed and the system expanded and sustained, ensuring that public dollars are used exclusively for public, not for-profit health care.

We were pleased to see the government pursue the Provincial Immigration Strategy; for immigration, along with training for our youth and the current workforce, will be as important factors in our future as they have been in our history.

We have also called on the Nova Scotia Government to participate in a national childcare and early learning system and to take the approach of community-based non-profit delivery in its agreement with the federal government. We believe this is the best approach that will enable Nova Scotia to meet the social needs of its children and their families.

Job security and contracting-out have been major areas of concern and dispute at the bargaining table this year and if the trend continues, 2006 could be an interesting year, for workers are not going to willingly see their job and family security taken away.

2006 is looking like another busy year as we continue to advance these issues and increase the focus on other matters such as; youth employment, the growth in precarious jobs, high cost of post-secondary education and other factors that contribute to the plight of the working poor.

Politically, 2006 is going to be a very interesting and important year for Canadians and for Nova Scotians, we are currently in the midst of a federal election and all indicators point to a provincial election later this year, possibly late spring or summer.

Thanks to a minority government in Ottawa we have seen some positive changes that we believe are good for people and for Canada in general.

We have seen a re-investment in our social programs; wages, benefits and pensions are better protected when companies go bankrupt; childcare is a program instead of a promise; training for workers is now high on the list of federal priorities not to mention how close we came to seeing anti-scab legislation adopted.

We liked this balance of government at both the provincial and federal levels; for the benefits achieved have been good for people and their communities and we will continue our political action and activities, attempting to secure more changes that benefit peoples’ lives.

There are many issues and challenges facing us as we head into the New Year, and we truly believe we have many opportunities before us, opportunities that are achievable through working together.

We are committed to a just and fair society and we are equally committed to working towards these goals in the interest of all Nova Scotians.

The work we do every day not only benefits our 70,000 affiliates and their families, but all Nova Scotians. We have worked hard for change and we will intensify our efforts in 2006 to make life better for all Nova Scotians.

October 31, 2005 - Updates from the 43rd Nova Scotia Federation of Labour Convention

Monday October 24, 2005 Convention Update
Tuesday October 25, 2005 Convention Update
Wednesday October 26, 2005 Convention Update

January 13 , 2006 - Election 2006 - This federal election is all about choices: the choices you make about the kind of Canada you want for yourself, your family, and your neighbors election - and the choices the parties make about whose side they're on.

Who will help build a better society for all Canadian working families?

Click to learn more about Better Choices.

Better Choices Update January 6, 2006.

January 17, 2006 - Make A Better Choice in this Election

To find out what each of the political parties – Bloc, NDP, Liberals, Conservatives or Green – are saying about the issues of major importance to Canadian working families – health care; pension protection; pay equity; education, training and skill development; good jobs; workers’ rights; child care; and international trade – visit the Better Choice 2006 web site www.betterchoice.ca.

In addition to an analysis of party positions, you will also find downloadable fact sheets on each of the major issues, in-depth background papers, links to many other useful sites and a daily commentary on what the political parties are saying.

This election, be informed to make a Better Choice!

July 26, 2005 - Labour Day events in Nova Scotia:

The Halifax-Dartmouth and District Labour Council is holding a march and picnic starting at 10:30 am at the South Commons Triangle (by the Willow Tree) at the Commons in Halifax.

The Cape Breton District Labour Council is holding their Labour Day picnic event from 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm at the Sydney Boardwalk behind the Civic Building, Sydney.

The New Glasgow and District Labour Council is holding their event at Steeltown Park in Trenton from 1:00 pm - 4:30 pm.

Origins of Labour Day

June 10, 2005 - Supreme Court decision ignores Canadians' desire for stronger public health care system.

April 28, 2005 - A large crowd gathered at Province House to mourn for the 27 workers who lost their lives at work in 2004 and those who were injured. Nova Scotia Federation of Labour President Rick Clarke spoke on the national theme of this year’s ceremonies "Save Lives - Enforce Health and Safety Legislation". He vowed that the Federation will never forget Westray and we that will continue to pressure governments to be accountable for enforcing workplace health and safety laws.

May 9 , 2005 - Workers send message to Walmart that workers in Canada have a right to unionize! A great crowd gathered at Wal-Mart in Halifax on Saturday, May 7 to greet shoppers and hand out "Mal-Wart" coupons, to help raise awareness of Wal-Mart activities. This event was co-ordinated by the CLC in conjunction with similar actions across the country. For more information, please visit www.canadianlabour.ca or http://www.ufcw.ca/.

April 14, 2005 - Hundreds of people attend CUPE Local 5050 support rally in Sydney!

The strike by 1400 members of CUPE Local 5050 which represents janitors, bus drivers and other support staff with the Cape Breton-Victoria Regional School Board is nearing at the end of its second week.

Speaker after speaker at the rally repeated the call for governments intervention to end this dispute.

Nova Scotia Federation of Labour president Rick Clarke called on Premier John Hamm to intervene in the labour dispute, which the government has refused to do.

New Democrat Leader Darrell Dexter promised to raise the issue next week when provincial politicians return to the legislature for the spring sitting.

April 12, 2005 - "We want fair treatment for workers under the Canada Labour Code" - Federation of Labour President Rick Clarke joined Bloc Québécois MP Carole Lavallée in calling on Liberal and Conservative MPs to support Bill C-263, the Anti-Strike Breaker Bill when it comes to a vote on April 13. The support of all 54 Bloc Québécois MPs and 19 NDP MPs is guaranteed.

From left to right: Federation of Labour President Rick Clarke; MP for Saint-Bruno-Saint-Huburt Carole Lavallée and CLC Representative Paulette Sadoway at today's press conference.

June 13, 2005 - Happy 20th anniversary to the Strait Area District Labour Council
On May 28th, the Strait Area District Labour Council held an anniversary dinner and party to celebrate 20 years of activism within the labour movement and the community. Activists came from around the province to join the Executive of the Labour Council in marking this important occasion.

Federation President Rick Clarke brought greetings and congratulations.


Cutting the cake, from left to right: CLC Representative Paulette Sadoway, Strait Area District Labour Council President Judy Castle, 1st VP Walter Henwood, Treasurer Betsy MacIntyre and Secretary Ronalda MacGillivary.

March 11, 2005 - Sister of the Year awarded!
Nova Scotia Federation of Labour Secretary-Treasurer/Women’s Committee Chairperson Ivy Shaw was named 2005 Sister of the Year at a special event held on Saturday, March 5th in honour of International Women’s Day. It was the second annual silent auction evening held by the committee to raise money for their team in the "Run for the Cure" for breast cancer research.

The sisters raised over $700.00 and will continue to raise money in their communities for the October Run.

Sister Cheri Meehan presented Sister Shaw with her award for her outstanding contribution to women’s issues in the labour movement and the community.

February 8, 2005 - Build child care - Federal, provincial and territorial politicians are meeting behind closed doors on February 11 in Vancouver to work out details on a pan-Canadian child care system. We want to make sure they build the best possible system. Check out the CLC information. For your information, in Nova Scotia, the Minister Responsible for child care is David Morse, Minister of Community Services, 8th Floor, Nelson Place, 5675 Spring Garden Rd., Halifax, N.S., B3J 2T7. Fax: 424.0549. Email: morsedm@gov.ns.ca

December 10, 2004 - On December 10, The Halifax-Dartmouth and District Labour Council gave its Human Rights Awards...

(From left to right Halifax Dartmouth and District Labour Council President/NSFL General Vice-President Cheri Meehan, award recipients Betty Peterson and Beatrice Douglas, Marcella Shears, Carlotta Weymouth and Rick Clarke.)

On December 10, The Halifax-Dartmouth and District Labour Council gave its Human Rights Awards to Beatrice Douglas, member of the Nova Local of the Canadian Union of Postal Workers and long-time labour activist and to Sister Betty Peterson long time peace activitist and founder of the Raging Grannies.

Sister Douglas received her award in recognition of her accomplishments as a labour activist and her dedication to the understanding of human rights and her contribution to labour movement and society. Sister Peterson in recognition of her long and outstanding commitment to peace, equality and human rights for all.

The awards were presented by Nova Scotia Federation of Labour (NSFL) Anti-Racism/Human Rights Chairperson and Labour Council Secretary Marcella Shears and Committee member and Labour Council Vice-President Carlotta Weymouth.

NSFL President Rick Clarke, Canadian Labour Congress Representative Paulette Sadoway and CUPW Nova Local President John Buckland spoke after the presentations.

“Sister Douglas and Sister Peterson make important contributions to their communities and the labour Movement and we are proud to work with such dedicated people,” said Rick Clarke.

“I commend the Labour Council for their wonderful choice of recipients,” Clarke said.

February 18, 2005 - Please join us for the federal budget watch on February 23, 2005. Click here for more details!

Building a Stronger Movement - Our Province, Our Future

The Federation’s Off-Year Conference in Sydney November 20 - 21 was an intense two-day session during which delegates looked at five critical issues that face labour today:

-ensuring the relevancy of unions

-organizing the unorganized

-the fight for free collective bargaining

-organizing the organized and social change and community solidarity.

With over 90 delegates registered, workshops were lively and delegates gave valuable input on the topics which will form the basis of a report and recommendations , which, when complete, will go to the NSFL Executive Council.

Thank you to all the delegates who took time out of their busy schedules to participate and help make the conference a success. President Clarke's opening comments to delegates.

December 6 , 2004 - Click on billboard for more information

November 30, 2004 - Submission to the Nova Scotia Utility and Review Board Re: Nova Scotia Power Rate
Increase Application By the Nova Scotia Federation of Labour, CLC <more

November 26, 2004 - Nova Scotia fares poorly among Atlantic neighbors on measures of child poverty <more

November 22, 2004 - 15 Days, 15 Ways - Campaign to end violence against women calls on the Prime Minister.

November 12, 2004 - A Day of Rememberance- Halifax-Dartmouth and District Labour Council is holding a special event on December 6, 2004 <more

September 24, 2004 - Have your say on immigration

The Province has recently released a Discussion Paper entitled "A Framework for Immigration" now in consultation, a process in which we will be participating. In fact, we anticipate that we may be hosting or co-hosting a roundtable on this very important matter.

As we are in the process of reviewing this matter in conjunction with the Canadian Labour Congress (CLC) in preparation of our presentation, we would appreciate receiving a copy of your comments on this issue.

This is a very topical matter and a very important one and it is indeed one that we collectively must show our interest in and put forward our opinions.

This is not only important for those who may wish to come to our fine country and province, but it is equally important to all Nova Scotians. We have a chance to have input into this important matter and we must provide that input.

September 2, 2004 - PSAC - National Parks and Historic Sites Strike
We have been providing all possible support to the workers of our National Parks and Historic Sites who have been forced to take strike action against their employer which in essence is the Government of Canada.
These workers have been forced into strike action while trying to secure or improve some very crucial areas that are important to all of us.
Among the outstanding issues are job security, whistleblower protection, and a wage and benefit package which would close the gap between their counterparts in other public and private sector workplaces.
We have already written to all Nova Scotia MP's calling for their support in getting the government back to the bargaining table to negotiate an acceptable resolve to this dispute.
These workers can use your support visit their picket lines join the call to get the government back to the table.
For more and direct information on the strike click here

October 5, 2004 - Sunday shopping will hurt the working poor <more

October 14, 2004 - Sunday Shopping won't cure what ails us <more

October 12, 2004 - We have received the following list of union members who are running in the upcoming municipal elections October 16, 2004. For more information on the Sunday Shopping Plebiscite, Municipal Polling Districts Maps etc. go to Municipal and School Board Elections - Local Elections 2004 . These are the candidates we are aware of to date. If you have additional names for our list please contact us.

PSAC
Debbie Kelly-Halifax District 11
Henry White-Dartmouth
John Couture-Sydney
Theresa Halfkenny-Amherst

NSGEU
Steven Michael Barkhouse-District 8 Councillor
H. Gordon Anderson-School Board Pictou County

CUPE
Steven Blackmore, CUPE Local 108 - Halifax Regional Council, District 20
Charlie Long, CUPE Local 759 (Retired) - Cape Breton Regional Municipality, District 10
Linda Gregory, CUPE Local 835 - Municipality of Digby, District 3
Leona Mosher, CUPE Local 835 -Town of Digby
Jim Laverie, CUPE Local 835 -Municipality of Yarmouth, District 1
Andy Baxter, CUPE Local 964 - Tri-County Regionasl School Board, District 6
Donnie MacDonald, CUPE Local 1867 -Antigonish County, District 2
Blair George, CUPE Local 1867 -Municipality of Guysborough, District 4
Rod Murphy, CUPE Local 2272 - Municipality of Argyle, District 2
Lawrence Muise, CUPE Local 2272 - Municipality of Argyle, District 5
Bruce Hubbard, CUPE Local 2272 - Municipality of Argyle, District 1 (Acclaimed)
Earl Babin, CUPE Local 2272 - Municipality of Argyle, District 4
Liz Paris, CUPE Local 2330 - Chignecto-Central Regional School Board (Acclaimed)
Linda Moore, CUPE Local 2525 - Town of Amherst
Terry Rhindress, CUPE Local 3890(Retired) - Town of Amherst
Todd MacPherson, CUPE Local 5050 - Cape Breton Regional Municipality, District 3

September 1, 2004 - Labour Federation hopes Aliant workers and company reach a resolve.

July 14, 2004 - Support stiking Aliant Workers! To make a donation please forward cheques made out to:
......................................CATU Flying Pickets Fund
50 Akerley Blvd, Unit 7 .........................................1077 St. George Blvd, Suite 440
Dartmouth, Nova Scotia ....................................Moncton, New Brunswick
B3B 1R8 ............................. ............. ....... ................ E1E 4C9

August 9, 2004 - Union Label week
From September 8th to 10th, you can visit the Union Label booth at MicMac Mall Dartmouth in centre court from 9 am to 9 pm.

This is the 20th year that Donnie Waye, an NSGEU retiree, has been in the booth promoting union goods and services.

An enormous amount of work goes into the organizing and set-up of this union label event and we congratulate Brother Waye for his dedication to the labour movement.

August 11, 2004 - John Jacobs of the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives - Nova Scotia (CCPA-NS) weighs in on the Aliant strike <more

June 25, 2004 - On Wednesday June 23, 2004 the AC&TWU had a rally and BBQ for support of striking Aliant workers. Several guest speakers spoke to the approximately 2500 in attendence. For more on the Aliant Striking workers...more

June 25, 2004 - In comparing the platforms of the three major parties the CLC gives the NDP platform top marks.

June 15, 2004 - The CCPA released a report on Friday entitled "Can they pay for what they say? A pre-election comparison of the Conservative, Liberal, and New Democratic platforms," by economists Ellen Russell and Sheila Block ...more

WHOSE SIDE ARE YOU ON?

This picture was received by the Federation of Labour on June 14, 2004 of an Aliant Sub Station on the Hammonds Plains Road where workers have been on strike for almost 8 weeks. The strike is prolonged because the employer (Aliant) is using management and others to do their jobs while they are on strike BUT the Liberal and Conservative candidates have no problem putting their signs on struck property thus crossing the picket line.

It is clear who's side the Conservatives and the Liberals are on and why we do not have anti-scab legislation. If you believe in workplace fairness and justice and if you believe workers should have full collective bargaining rights including anti-scab protection your conscience cannot allow you to vote for these parties. There is only one party that openly supports and promotes full bargaining rights.

May 10, 2004 - Brief to the Nova Scotia Department of Environment and Labour re: Averaging Provision... more

April 27, 2004 - April 28th - Day of mourning ceremonies to be held at Province House and across the province ... more

April 23, 2004 - Budget 2004 - Labour Federation says minority government can work for Nova Scotians ...more

April 15, 2004 - Nova Scotia NDP Press Release "Legislature passes Dexter's resolution to keep Frame out of Nova Scotia"

April, 2004 - Literacy Newsletter April, 2004

April  1, 2004 - There are alternatives to user fees and privatization says labour federation ...more