A Message from NSGEU President Sandra Mullen

Dear members,

Never before has the country had to navigate such uncertain circumstances with an ally, friend and neighbour, as we currently find ourselves having to do with President Trump and his tariff attack. These tariffs will have impacts on working people across the country, and here at home. The extent of those impacts is yet to be felt, but the NSGEU is working with our national union and others to plan for these circumstances.

Here in Nova Scotia this uncertainty includes a new Tim Houston supermajority government. This supermajority gives the premier far-reaching power to change the way government is administered and delivered in this province. We have seen attempts to strip away the independent and oversight powers of the Auditor General, the Freedom of Information Office, and bargaining unit members of Communications Nova Scotia were moved to excluded positions

Civil Service bargaining has reached an impasse, and the union is applying for arbitration. Fair wages and protecting key job security language are some of the main outstanding issues.

The stability of economy, including inflation, are all at-risk. These are the circumstances we find ourselves in as we prepare for the NSGEU Triennial Convention in May, making this one of the most important conventions in recent memory.

The strength of our union is you, the members. Your dedication, commitment and hard work to deliver programs and services to Nova Scotians is the foundation of public service. Over the coming days and weeks members will begin to announce their candidacy for executive positions which will be determined at convention.

I am pleased to announce that I will be seeking another term as President. Whatever the outcome of convention, we all share one common goal. The union needs to come out of convention with a team united and ready to take on the challenges of the next three years. It won’t be easy. We need to rise together and send a strong message that the labour movement is strong, united, and ready to take advantage of the challenges and opportunities of the coming years.

In this edition of The STAND you will have the opportunity to learn about the declared candidates and various campaigns will kick off over the coming weeks. I wish everyone good luck and look forward to all members and delegates having their say at convention.

In solidarity,

Sandra Mullen
NSGEU President