Cupe Local 4745

Cupe local 4745 is the largest representative of unionized workers in Nova Scotia. The Canadian Union of Public Employ­ees (CUPE), along with its partner advocates, has long opposed priva­tization in child care. CUPE believes public funding is the way to go—child care programs should not have to rely mainly on parent fees, vouchers or subsidies. As well, there’s no place for profit-making in child care. For-profit child care—a growing sector—is not consistent with high quality programs, and good wages and working condi­tions for staff. Now, the union is going a step further. As part of its national anti-privatization campaign, CUPE is advocating for an early childhood education and care (ECEC) system that is both publicly funded and delivered. Excellent community-based non-profit child care programs have been the back­bone of providing child care services in Canada for decades. Overall, how­ever, public delivery is most likely to benefit the most children and families.