Update for NSGEU Members at the Nova Scotia Provincial Housing Agency

No doubt, this has been an extremely difficult time for those affected by the employer’s recent announcement.

We want you to know that your union continues to work to protect your interests and reduce the impact of the employer’s announcement.

Following concerns raised by the NSGEU, a meeting was held this week with the Agency to discuss both the process that was followed and options to mitigate layoffs.

It was made clear that the collective agreement requires the employer to consult with the union before these decisions are made and no consultation took place before employees were notified. The employer has agreed to work with us to explore every available option to reduce the impact on affected employees.

Our discussions have been engaging and the Union has identified potential opportunities to try and prevent our members from being laid off, including possible placement options.

The Union also provided the employer with our interpretation of the layoff language in the collective agreement, including the rights of affected employees to exercise seniority where applicable. Our discussions are ongoing as we work to ensure members receive all entitlements and protections available under the agreement. Our goal is to work collaboratively and avoid our members from being laid off at all.

As a result, the employer has agreed to:

• Extend the deadline for employees to make decisions regarding their options.
• Contact affected employees today and those who have already indicated their option.
• Extend timelines further, if necessary, to allow efforts to find alternatives to the layoff procedure in the agreement.

Our priority is to keep as many members employed as possible so they can continue the valuable work to help Nova Scotians. In addition, to make sure the collective agreement is followed throughout this process.

We understand the uncertainty this situation has created and appreciate your patience as we pursue every available avenue to mitigate layoffs. We will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available.