Media Release: Frustrated Employees at Sherbrooke Village Vote to Strike

Employees at Sherbrooke Village, members of NSGEU Local 50, have voted 85% in favour of strike action in support of their Bargaining Committee. The employer has been dragging out negotiations, due to a pension issue, for over three years.
“The membership is extremely frustrated and disappointed,” says Joan Jessome, President of the Nova Scotia Government & General Employees Union. “This strike vote shows their overwhelming support for their Bargaining Committee and their determination to reach a fair agreement soon.”
At a meeting last night, 51 out of 60 members in attendance voted to strike.
Wages are the main outstanding issue.
“Employees at Sherbrooke Village are already making less than other employees who do similar work at other museums in the province,” says Jessome. “They are asking for a fair wage increase so they do not fall even further behind.”
The union and the employer are also currently working to solve an underfunded pension plan for full-time employees as a separate issue. The vast majority of employees at Sherbrooke Village are part-time and do not belong to the pension plan.
“The pension issue should not be used as an excuse to stall negotiations,” says Jessome.
A Conciliation Officer has been appointed and conciliation dates are being scheduled for the end of August.
There are 71 members of Local 50 who work at Sherbrooke Village as craftspeople, historical interpreters, marketing and promotions, administrators, security, and maintenance workers.