Nova Scotia local presidents meet to review leading issues

CEIU’s Nova Scotia region recently held its Presidents Conference in Halifax to take up the major issues facing members and to say goodbye to those departing as a result of the labour market agreement with the provincial government.

The conference reviewed issues at both Service Canada and Citizenship and Immigration Canada. Inadequate staffing levels to meet the EI workload along with CPP/OAS processing concerns and the wearing of name tags led the list of Service Canada topics. For members at CIC, the recent federal budget and resourcing levels were key concerns.

Delegates to the conference decided to approach these issues through a broad approach that includes further union training for union officers and members, increased consultation, coalition building and political action.

National President Jeannette Meunier-McKay spoke to the conference, highlighting the themes of national consultation and media campaigns.

Certificates of Appreciation were presented by National President Jeannette Meunier-McKay and NVP Theresa MacInnis to members of the Nova Scotia Executive and Presidents Council who are moving to the Provincial government on July 1st, 2009 . Sandra McCully, Judy Lawrence, Brock Smith, Rosemary MacDonald, Margaret Fawson, Bernie Murphy and Joyce Creighton were honoured for their contributions to CEIU in the region. They were also thanked through a theatre evening that used the theme of “What happens in the emergency room when everyone’s employment insurance is threatened?” The state of EI processing made the theatre production particularly relevant for the members attending from work sites across Nova Scotia.

Speaking of the contribution made by those departing for the province, NVP Theresa MacInnis said “These members have helped build the union in this region and have earned our deepest appreciation, and I know they will be a great asset to the Nova Scotia Government Employees Union when they make the move on July 1.” The National President echoed these words, saying “We have lost many good members and strong leaders through devolution and they will be missed. I join all CEIU members in wishing them well in their new union, new jobs or retirement.”