A Message from NSGEU President Sandra Mullen

Dear members,

As we welcome the arrival of 2025, it’s worth taking some time to reflect on the year that was.

The year could be summed up in one word: expensive.

Inflation and the cost of living continued to hit people’s bank accounts in a negative way. The cost of everything went up and these financial pressures highlighted what the union and its members have known for many years: wages are not keeping up with the cost of living and it’s directly impacting people’s lives and ability to stay in Nova Scotia.

There was a time in our province when having a good job was enough to provide people with the ability to buy a home, put down roots and raise a family. Today, many people can’t afford to live on a single income, they are forced to find other work, work longer hours, or move away in the search of better pay.

The NSGEU will always fight for what is fair. The cuts and freezes of previous governments, plus the impacts of skyrocketing inflation, has hurt people right across the province. The union has worked hard this year to deliver better wages for working people, improve working conditions, and bring greater attention to the need to recruit, and retain people. There is progress being made: the gap between wages and inflation is closing, those at the bottom of the wage scales are seeing targeted increases, working conditions are getting more attention, and employers are finally doing more to recruit and retain workers.

This is important progress, but there is still much work to be done.

As the calendar turns to a new year, we must remain united and fight to keep our public services public. We must demand safer working conditions. We must ensure wages keep up with the costs that people are forced to deal with every day.

We must also continue to be a leader in advocating for social justice. Too many people can’t afford a home or apartment. Social equality, diversity, and inclusion in our workplaces and in our communities must continue to be a priority.

As we enter 2025, we do so in a strong position to continue to deliver for our members. The union will start the year with a new Executive Director in Nicole McKim. This year is also a convention year, an opportunity for union renewal and set new objectives and goals for the future. We will face a government and funding partner with a massive political majority. The union is ready to work with government and employers to keep delivering the high quality and professional programs and services that Nova Scotians have come to expect. The union will continue to hold government accountable on their commitments, advocate for our members, and work to deliver and protect the best collective agreements possible.

Thank you for your continued solidarity, commitment, and dedication. The union and province are better off because of your work and efforts. Here’s to a productive and successful 2025.

Sandra Mullen

President, NSGEU