'Quality childcare cannot exist without qualified workers,' says Unifor president
Childcare workers in Nova Scotia are set to benefit from extended group benefits and a defined benefit pension plan, a move that has earned praise from the union representing workers in the province, Unifor.
“Quality childcare cannot exist without qualified workers, and the best way to achieve that is to offer competitive wages, comprehensive benefits, and a good defined benefit pension plan,” says Lana Payne, national president at Unifor.
Payne highlighted that such measures are essential to attract qualified workers, recognizing the vital role these professionals play in caring for their children.
“Unifor has long advocated for fair compensation that respect the vital work childcare professionals do. These workers are not only responsible for our precious little ones, they enable parents, particularly mothers, to work as well,” adds Payne.
“Child care is essential now more than ever as rising costs demand parents work more hours and live in dual income households to provide for their families. Early Childhood Educators and other staff have been fighting for better wages, pensions, and benefits for a long time and it's encouraging to see them getting the respect and attention they truly deserve in Nova Scotia,” says Jennifer Murray, atlantic regional director at Unifor.
Unifor, Canada's largest private-sector union, represents workers in three day care centers in Cape Breton, NS, has been a vocal advocate for affordable, accessible, and high-quality child care nationwide. Unifor represents child care workers in both Nova Scotia and Ontario, as well as thousands of workers who depend on child care services daily.
The Nova Scotia government's initiative is part of the federal Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care Agreement.
