Message from Jason MacLean, President, NSGEU and Laura Lee Langley, Public Service Commissioner

Colleagues,

This is an unprecedented time for us all. We’re adapting to uncertain conditions, and everyone is doing their very best to meet extraordinary demands in a rapidly changing environment.

We want to thank you for your hard work and dedication to providing Nova Scotians with critical public services, and let you know that your union and your employer are in communication with each other and are working together to ensure our workplaces are safe and healthy for you.

As things change daily, your employer is listening, learning, making decisions and adjusting on the basis of scientific information and best public health practices. When safety issues arise and are brought to the union, discussions and solutions are being developed with the employer as soon as possible. Please do not hesitate to let your union representative or manager know if you see ways to improve workplace safety and the delivery of public services in your area.

We are also working together to help address immediate or critical needs in the system, and where possible shifting to meet those needs and we want to thank those of you who have voluntarily stepped up to take on these assignments.

Taking care of your mental health is more important now than ever. We don’t expect this current situation to change soon, so it’s important that you take care of yourselves and each other and develop habits and supports that will help you to be resilient into the future.

There are resources there for you if you feel overwhelmed or just need someone to talk to. You can access your benefits program, including Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP) at www.workhealthlife.com (type in Province of Nova Scotia) or by calling 1-800-777-5888. Or you can reach out to our Office of Workplace Mental Health by emailing OWMH@novascotia.ca or calling 902-424-2273 (toll free: 1-833-389-2267).

Thank you again for your dedication and service.

You are there for Nova Scotians. We, as your employer and union, are there for you.

We are in this together.

Please, do not hesitate to reach out.

Sincerely,

Jason MacLean, President, Nova Scotia Government and General Employees Union (NSGEU)

Laura Lee Langley, Public Service Commissioner