CCPA Nova Scotia

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Your source for progressive economic & social policy research in Nova Scotia, providing public commentary & opinion on alternative policy positions.

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Join the authors of our newest report, entitled “One of the hardest places to organize in the country”: Understanding and overcoming barriers to unionization in Nova Scotia, as they share the key findings and recommendations from the report.

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Text reads: “CCPA-NS webinar: Understanding and overcoming barriers to unionization in Nova Scotia. Event details: Friday, October 16th, 12:30 pm to 1:30 pm (AT), Virtual via Zoom. Registration is required. Join the authors of our newest report as they share the key findings and recommendations from the report. There will also be an opportunity for questions and discussion.” Report cover, with title of report clear, “‘One of the hardest places to organize in the country’: Understanding and overcoming barriers to unionization in Nova Scotia.” CCPA-NS logo in bottom right corner.
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Workers may have a right to unionize, but our report found that they face barriers to exercise that right.

Our new report makes eight recommendations on how to make the unionization process in Nova Scotia more fair, so that more workers get the benefits of unionization.

#nspoli

Text reads: “Workers have the right to unionize, but face barriers to exercise that right. Our research found that: Workers faced difficulty getting union cards signed – It is hard to get done when you can’t do it at work, there are multiple sites or there is high turnover. Delays at the Labour Board benefitted employers. Workers faced multiple redundant steps – First, they had to sign a union card to show their support, then they had to hold a vote to show their support again. The barriers don’t end if the union gets certified as collective bargaining proves just as difficult.” CCPA-NS logo in bottom right corner.Text reads: “Unionization holds many benefits for workers. Based on our survey, unionized workers: Had more paid sick days; Were more likely to have better benefits – Including prescriptions, vision care, dental care, and extended health benefits; Were more likely to have a workplace pension plan. Labour Force Survey data shows that, on average, unionized workers get paid more: Non-unionized workers make an average of just over $30/hour; Unionized workers make an average of just under $37/hour.” CCPA-NS logo in bottom right corner.Slide 3: Text reads: “Nova Scotia can make the unionization process easier and more fair. Key recommendations: Implement card check or single-step certification Improve successor rights. Restore meaningful first contract arbitration. Repeal the Michelin Amendment. Implement stricter timelines for Labour Board decisions. Increase resources for the Labour Board. Provide more educational and informational resources and support about labour rights. Incorporate education about union history and labour rights into the P-12 curriculum on civics education.” CCPA-NS logo in bottom right corner.
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You may recognize Megan as the former Member of Parliament for Halifax, during which she was deputy leader of the Official Opposition, environment critic and vice-chair of the government committee on environment and sustainable development.

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We invite you to a book talk and panel discussion on CCPA President Nora Loreto’s book, Corporate Control, on Thursday September 24th at 6:30 pm (NT). We also want to hear from you about how we can further progressive research in the province. Come out on Friday, September 25th at 12 pm (NT).

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Our new report on barriers to unionization is out now!

This new report finds that the process of unionizing in Nova Scotia comes with significant barriers throughout the entire unionization process, from employees expressing their support for a union to bargaining their first contract.

#nspoli

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Yesterday, CCPA-NS Director Christine Saulnier spoke at the Nova Scotia Legislature’s Public Bills Committee on Bill 256, which would amend Nova Scotia’s Labour Standards Code. This bill is a good start, but there is still so much to be done.

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Slide 1: The Nova Scotia Legislature with text above reading: “New CCPA-NS blog. Strengthening Labour Standards in Nova Scotia: Progress and the work that remains. By Christine Saulnier. September 14, 2026.” Quote reads: “Labour standards establish the floor beneath which working conditions should not fall. That floor must be high enough to support workers and their families. A floor that should protect their health and dignity. Raising the floor also contributes to a fair and productive economy.” CCPA-NS logo.Slide 2: Text reads, “Bill 256 is a good start – but there is more to be done to support workers. This bill would: Ban tip theft; Qualify workers for overtime pay after 44 hours of work rather than 48 hours; Introduce new tools to recover unpaid earnings owed to workers.” CCPA-NS logo.Slide 3: Text reads, “Bill 256 does not address other key issues in Nova Scotia’s Labour Standards, like: 44 hours is still too much to qualify for over time – 40 hours should be the standard; Scheduling and work hour unpredictability; No paid sick days, few statutory holidays, and very limited vacation days; Exclusions of certain workers, like gig workers; Lack of proactive enforcement.” Graphics alongside each point as follows: alarm clock, box of tissues, hand holding a phone, and gavel. CCPA-NS logo.Slide 4: Text reads, “Read CCPA-NS Director Christine Saulnier’s full presentation to the Nova Scotia Legislature at www.policyalternatives.ca/news-research/bill-256-strengthening-labour-standards-in-nova-scotia/. Also see our report from last year for more recommendations on how Nova Scotia’s Labour Standards can better support workers at www.policyalternatives.ca/news-research/the-foundations-of-decent-work-an-evaluation-of-nova-scotia-labour-standards/.” Cover from The Foundations of Decent Work report. CCPA-NS logo.
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CCPA-NS Director Christine Saulnier and CCPA-NS Research Associate & Memorial University professor Russell Williams invite you to a roundtable discussion on the research of the CCPA in the Atlantic region.

Fri., Sept. 25, 12-1:30 PM (NT)
Nexus Centre, Science Building, Room SN-4022

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