Public works employees in Nova Scotia municipality strike over wages and worker protections

Public works employees in the Region of Queens Municipality are on strike over wage disputes, weekend work compensation, and protections for temporary workers. The strike began Thursday after negotiations failed, with the union claiming up to 40 workers are involved, while the municipality reports about 20. The union rejected the municipality's wage offer of 1.5% for the first year and 2% for the following two years, citing rising living costs. Disagreements also persist over weekend work compensation and the status of temporary employees, which the union insists should remain in their collective agreement. The municipality stated that all services will continue as normal, with non-union staff filling in. A lockout notice was issued to prevent conflicts between union and non-union workers. The acting CAO expressed hope for renewed negotiations to resolve the situation.