Early Childhood Educators Demand Answers as Back Pay Delays Continue
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This section is Partnership Content suppliedThe content in this section is supplied by Business Wire for the purposes of distributing press releases on behalf of its clients. Postmedia has not reviewed the content. by Business Wire Article contentWorkers say patience has run out as Education Minister Brendan Maguire fails to deliver wages already earnedSign In or Create an AccountEmail AddressContinueor View more offersArticle contentHALIFAX, NS — Early Childhood Educators (ECE) across Nova Scotia are calling out ongoing delays in receiving back pay they are owed. Employers have confirmed that required paperwork has been submitted, and that government is the source of the months-long delay.Article contentWe apologize, but this video has failed to load.Try refreshing your browser, ortap here to see other videos from our team.Article contentWorkers say the issue is no longer administrative—it is about respect.Article content“Workers have done everything required. Our employers have done everything they were asked to. And still, months later, we’re not being paid,” said Jennifer Chase, a Bridgewater-based ECE and President of Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) Local 3688. “At this point, it feels deeply disrespectful to have our wages held back like this.”Article contentArticle contentThe Minister has had since November to finalize a formula for distributing retroactive pay. While other public sector workers have already received their retroactive wages, Early Childhood Educators say they have been left behind without explanation.Article contentTop StoriesGet the latest headlines, breaking news and columns.There was an error, please provide a valid email address.Sign UpBy signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc.Thanks for signing up!A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder.The next issue of Top Stories will soon be in your inbox.We encountered an issue signing you up. Please try againInterested in more newsletters? Browse here.Article content“Minister Brendan Maguire told the public this was being worked on ‘around the clock,’” said Tabitha Warren, a Halifax-area ECE and President of CUPE Local 4745. “If that’s the case, then where are the results? We need direct answers.”Article contentThe local says the delay sends the wrong message to a workforce that is essential to the functioning of the entire economy.Article content“Our sector is what allows every other sector to operate,” said Warren. “You can’t say you value Early Childhood Educators while withholding wages they’ve already earned.”Article contentWorkers are calling for the immediate release of all outstanding retroactive pay, a clear public explanation for the delays, and a firm timeline for payment.Article contentThey warn that if action is not taken quickly, they are prepared to escalate.Article content“This is money we’ve already earned,” said Chase. “We are ready to take the next steps to get what we’re owed.”Article content:so/cope491Article contentArticle contentArticle contentArticle contentView source version on businesswire.com: Article content https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260420755917/en/Article contentArticle contentContactsArticle contentMedia Contact: Article contentArticle contentMary-Dan JohnstonArticle contentArticle contentCUPE Nova ScotiaArticle contentArticle content902-536-0584Article contentArticle contentmjohnston@cupe.caArticle contentTrending Subscriber only. Why the CEOs of Canada's big banks are optimistic even as the economy lags Subscriber only Finance Thanks to government policy, your 60/40 portfolio may not cut it under stress Investor Brace for gas price 'shock' in inflation numbers out today, say economists Economy The Labour Contenders Who Could Replace a Weakened Starmer PMN Business A rise in mortgage rates may ‘pull the rug' out from under the spring housing market, says CREA Mortgages Share this article in your social networkCommentsYou must be logged in to join the discussion or read more comments.Create an AccountSign in Join the Conversation Postmedia is committed to maintaining a lively but civil forum for discussion. Please keep comments relevant and respectful. Comments may take up to an hour to appear on the site. You will receive an email if there is a reply to your comment, an update to a thread you follow or if a user you follow comments. Visit our Community Guidelines for more information. Subscriber only. Why the CEOs of Canada's big banks are optimistic even as the economy lags Subscriber only Finance Thanks to government policy, your 60/40 portfolio may not cut it under stress Investor Brace for gas price 'shock' in inflation numbers out today, say economists Economy The Labour Contenders Who Could Replace a Weakened Starmer PMN Business A rise in mortgage rates may ‘pull the rug' out from under the spring housing market, says CREA Mortgages