Standing in Solidarity with School Support Workers - Member Statement

CLAUDIA CHENDER « » : Mr. Speaker, I rise today to stand in solidarity with school support workers at the Annapolis Valley Regional Centre for Education and the South Short Regional Centre for Education.

The NSGEU members in Local 70 and 73 are on strike. These school support workers play a vital role in keeping students engaged in learning. These workers are asking for a modest wage increase that will help bring the lowest-paid worker closer to a living wage, and they are being asked to be treated like other support workers in the province.

People doing the same work should be paid the same amount today no matter where they live or work. Students deserve the best support possible around this province, and support workers should be paid a consistent wage in every regional centre. We are one province, and every child, no matter where they live, is entitled to the help they need to achieve in school. No one should be denied because of staff shortages due to low and inconsistent wages.

New Democrats thank school support workers for the commitment and dedication to our students, and I ask all members of this House to join us in standing in solidarity with their cause to be treated fairly and equitably.