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- calendar_today October 28, 2026
School Support Workers Set Strike Date Amid Ongoing Wage Negotiations
School support workers across Nova Scotia are preparing to strike on November 2, 2026, unless new negotiations result in a wage agreement with the provincial government. The Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE), representing over 5,500 school support staff, announced that its members are in a legal strike position as of Friday.
Wage Increase at Center of Dispute
The primary issue centers around wage increases for support staff across the province's schools. Workers are seeking at least a $3.50 per hour increase for all employees by 2029. The province’s most recent proposal offered most job classifications an hourly increase of $1.62 by the end of a four-year contract. This offer has been deemed insufficient by the union, sparking the threat of strike action.
Union Representation and Key Roles Affected
School support workers represented by the Nova Scotia School Board Council of Unions (NSSBCU) belong to eight locals under the CUPE umbrella. These employees include education assistants, early childhood educators, library workers, custodians, and others critical to the daily functioning of schools. The potential strike could impact a wide range of support services provided to students and school communities.
Statements from Union Leadership
Nelson Scott, Chair of NSSBCU, emphasized the union’s position, stating, “Government knows exactly what it will take to avoid a province-wide strike. We were hoping they would take the opportunity this weekend to come back to the bargaining table and settle this contract. Instead, they’re trying to wait us out.” He also noted, “School support workers don’t want to be on strike. We want to be in our schools, doing the work that students and families depend on. But our members have made it clear that they are prepared to stand together for a fair deal. Government has the resources and the responsibility to get this settled.”
Potential Impact on Schools and Students
Both the union and the provincial government still have time to reach an agreement and prevent disruptions. The possible strike could affect students who rely on support workers, such as those with exceptional needs who benefit from the assistance of education assistants and early childhood educators. The council has asserted that the decision to strike now rests with the provincial government, depending on how they respond to wage demands.
Next Steps and Ongoing Strike Negotiations
Strike negotiations remain ongoing, with CUPE and NSSBCU urging the government to return to the table and address support staff wages. If a settlement is not reached, more than 5,500 school support workers across Nova Scotia could walk the picket lines beginning Monday. The situation continues to develop as both sides weigh the implications of a province-wide strike for schools, support workers, and families.
Source: halifax.citynews.ca.
