Unifor Local 4600 members at Munro Academy went on strike Monday morning outside the Sydney Mines, N.S., daycare. The 23 Early Childhood Educators (ECEs) set up their picket line after their last efforts over the weekend failed to reach an agreement with the employer regarding a 40-hour per week schedule, according to the union. The ECEs asked their employer to match the full-time, consistent schedules offered at other Cape Breton area childcare centres. After a year of bargaining and three days of conciliation, the union says the employer remains firm on scheduling reduced hours. “The response we got from Munro Academy doesn’t seem to appreciate that while 37 hours per week sounds close to 40 hours, the financial difference that means for an ECE might be another bag of groceries, their gas for the week, or being able to make rent,” said Unifor national president Lana Payne. “We aren’t talking beads on an abacus here, we’re talking about affordability, equality and respect for childcare workers.” Unifor also said the loss of three hours per week means 156 hours less per year, which means less vacation, pension accrual and Canadian Pension Plan retirement earnings. The union wrote to parents last week to provide notice of the strike. “Support on the line has been amazing so far and we’ve been so thankful for the members of the community and especially the Munro Academy parents who have stopped by to offer coffee, treats and encouragement to their ECEs,” said Unifor Atlantic regional director Jennifer Murray. “We want this dispute to end soon, but spirits are high and we know we’re only asking for what’s right, so we’ll stay out until the employer is ready to talk.” Members will be on the picket line daily from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday to Friday. For more Nova Scotia news, visit our dedicated provincial page
