Standing in Solidarity with Striking ECEs in Sydney Mines

Fair Hours, Fair Work: Why We Support the Munro Academy ECE Strike

At Child Care Now Nova Scotia, we know that a strong child care system is only possible when the people at its heart—Early Childhood Educators (ECEs)—are treated with fairness, respect, and dignity. That’s why we stand in full solidarity with the 23 educators at Munro Academy in Sydney Mines who are currently on strike, represented by Unifor Local 4600.

Why They’re Striking

The issue is simple: these ECEs are fighting for consistent 40-hour work weeks. While their peers in other Unifor-represented child care centres in Cape Breton already have secure full-time schedules, Munro Academy workers are being denied this basic stability.

This fight isn’t about extras—it’s about fairness. Without guaranteed hours, educators face:

  • Reduced wages
  • Lower pension and vacation accrual
  • Less financial stability for their families

For workers who provide care and education to our youngest learners, this is unacceptable.

Why It Matters for Families and Communities

A child care system can’t thrive if its workforce is precarious. Children benefit from stable, supported educators who can dedicate themselves fully to their work. Parents benefit from reliable care delivered by professionals who feel valued. Communities benefit when child care jobs are good jobs that attract and retain skilled workers.

When ECEs are forced to fight for basics like consistent scheduling, the entire sector suffers.

A Bigger Picture

Nova Scotia is in the midst of building a Canada-wide child care system that is affordable, accessible, and high-quality. But affordability and accessibility can only go so far if we do not ensure that the educators who make the system work are treated equitably.

Fair pay, consistent hours, and respect for their essential contributions are non-negotiable. This strike is not an isolated event—it is part of a larger conversation about what it means to truly value child care in Nova Scotia.

Our Call

We call on Munro Academy’s leadership to return to the bargaining table and negotiate a fair settlement that provides these educators with the full-time hours they deserve.

We also call on the provincial government and sector leaders to take note: a just child care system is one where no educator is left behind.

How You Can Help

  • Share your support on social media using #SupportECEs and #ChildCareNovaScotia
  • Attend solidarity rallies and show up on the picket line
  • Talk to friends, family, and colleagues about why this fight matters

Child care is essential. So are the educators who provide it. Together, let’s make sure they get the fairness and stability they deserve.

✊ In solidarity,
Child Care Now Nova Scotia