Bill 37 Passed Into Law

Today is a dark day for democracy and workers in Nova Scotia. At 7:30 a.m., Bill 37 (Essential Health and Community Services Act) was passed by a Liberal majority government.

We are deeply saddened with this government’s betrayal of workers, but we are incredibly proud of all health care workers and members for showing up, speaking out, and refusing to be silenced by Stephen McNeil on this oppressive legislation!

While this legislation directly affects health care and community service workers, make no mistake: the impact it will have on all NSGEU members’ bargaining efforts remains to be seen, as we test this legislation in the upcoming round.

This fight is not over: the NSGEU plans to launch a constitutional challenge against Bill 37, to ensure workers’ bargaining rights in this province are restored. The NSGEU and other unions will also hold future actions to protest the bill, and make sure this government is held accountable for their betrayal.

If you are one of the 15,000 members directly affected by Bill 37, we are in the process of planning telephone town hall meetings for upcoming weeks, as many of your locals are either at the bargaining table or about to start the bargaining process.

We’ve been challenged as a union representing workers under previous governments. We will persevere through this latest challenge, and emerge stronger!