Latest news with #CapeBreton
CBC
7 minutes ago
- Business
- CBC
Construction trades strike ends in Cape Breton with what employers call 'historic' deal
The group representing unionized contractors in Cape Breton is calling a tentative deal to end the two-week construction trades strike "historic." The employers agreed to a 17.95 per cent wage increase over four years, including a seven per cent hike in the first year, said Bob Shepherd, president of the Nova Scotia Construction Labour Relations Association. "The reason it's historic is the percentage increase and the amount of money involved," he said. "It's really the largest wage package increase over a four-year period that the CLRA has negotiated with the building trades in our history." The association represents unionized contractors in the province's commercial and industrial sector. Shepherd said the tentative agreement was reached Friday and took effect Monday. It involves more than 10 unions in the Cape Breton Island Building and Construction Trades Council. Their president, Ernie Dalton, did not return a request for comment. However, on its website, the Labourers International Union of North America Local 1115 in Sydney confirmed an agreement has been reached and said workers were supposed to be back on the job Monday. In a release at the start of the strike, Dalton said workers were looking to recover wage concessions made during the pandemic. Shepherd said the pandemic and ensuing high inflation have hurt everyone. "The last number of years, everybody knows it's been challenging," he said. "If I go back eight years, the wages were modest, the increases were modest. "We realized that the wage increases would be a bit higher this time and I think the settlement reflects the challenges we've all had and I think it's a very fair settlement for all parties involved." The strike affected major infrastructure construction projects such as hospital redevelopments, Cape Breton University's medical building and at least one long-term care home. Shepherd said contractors and workers will have to try to make up the lost time on those projects. "Certainly it's hard. Construction season is mainly in the warmer weather, so yes, it is an impact, but everybody will work to recover the schedule." Some workers were still on picket lines on Tuesday. Shepherd said they are members of the sprinkler fitters union, which is not part of the local agreement. Picket line concerns remain He said that contract is negotiated at the national level. Despite that, the other unions are expected to go back to work this week, Shepherd said. "Our workers will have valid agreements and we are going to require them to go to work. The agreement with the union requires them to go to work. "However, we anticipate there may be some people that refuse to cross a picket line and we'll address that as the issues arise." The deal is subject to ratification votes that could take a couple of weeks, Shepherd said.
CTV News
2 hours ago
- Business
- CTV News
Cape Breton construction workers reach tentative agreement, potentially halting strike
Trades workers are seen on strike outside the Cape Breton University campus on July 8, 2025. (Ryan MacDonald/CTV Atlantic) Cape Breton trade workers have reached a tentative agreement on a new contract, potentially putting an end to a multi-week strike that paused major projects like a new medical sciences building. The Nova Scotia Construction Labour Relations Association says it reached the tentative agreement on the four-year contract with the Cape Breton Island Building & Construction Trades Council on Friday. The agreement includes a 17.95 per cent wage package increase across four years for all affiliated unionized building trades workers in the commercial and industrial sectors. 'The agreement is historic for Cape Breton Island and represents the largest of its kind in the region's history,' a news release from the Association reads. 'In the first year, the hourly wage package for Cape Breton Island journeypersons working on commercial jobs would range from $49.20 to $58.82 per hour, depending on their trade. 'Those working on industrial jobs would see a range from $54.06 to $63.79 per hour depending on their trade.' The Trades Council, which represents more than 4,000 trades professionals, announced the strike earlier this month, claiming they were seeking better wages and conditions. The job action put several projects on hold, including the new medical sciences building at Cape Breton University, which is set to open in the fall, and a community health centre in the Northside Business Park. The Association says construction unions agreed to go back to work on Monday. The tentative agreement still needs to be ratified by all parties. 'This agreement recognizes the critical role tradespeople play in Cape Breton's economy and positions local tradespeople on a highly competitive wage scale across Atlantic Canada,' said Bob Shepherd, president of the Association, in the release. 'At the same time, the agreement helps Cape Breton remain an attractive place for public and private investment.' -With files from CTV News Atlantic's Andrea Jerrett and Ryan MacDonald For more Nova Scotia news, visit our dedicated provincial page
CBC
a day ago
- Climate
- CBC
Military helicopter rescues injured hiker from Cape Breton Highlands
A hiking trip in the Cape Breton Highlands turned into a rescue mission when a hiker got hurt on a trail in Pollett's Cove early Sunday evening. The call for help came in just before 6:30 p.m. from a pair of hikers, one of whom was injured. The Joint Rescue Coordination Centre (JRCC) had to send a Cormorant helicopter to pick them up from the trail located just outside the Cape Breton Highlands National Park in northwestern Inverness County. "Unfortunately, due to rough waters in the area, the fire and EHS services weren't able to reach the injured hiker, and at that time the decision was made to task a Cormorant helicopter from Canadian Forces Base Greenwood," JRCC public affairs officer Maj. Trevor Ackland said Monday afternoon. "The Cormorant arrived on the scene, found the hikers, and then hoisted them up into the helicopter, which then took them to the airport [in Sydney], where they were met by EHS, and were then transported to the hospital." Maj. Ackland could not confirm the nature of the injury suffered by the hiker or their current condition. He advised a cautious approach for hikes in the Pollett's Cove-Aspy Fault area, which are described as "demanding" even by veteran members of the hiking community. "We just suggest that everybody remembers safety first when enjoying the great outdoors in Nova Scotia and around the Maritimes," he said.
CTV News
a day ago
- CTV News
Child found dead in Cape Breton
Atlantic Watch Police in Cape Breton say a child reported missing on Saturday has been found dead.
CBC
2 days ago
- Climate
- CBC
Cape Breton fire officials say wildfire is no longer growing
Social Sharing Fire officials in Cape Breton say a wildfire burning in the Sydney area of Kytes Hill and Grand Lake remains active but is no longer growing. Officials say the fire got to about two kilometres from some homes. The fire was held by ground crews with air support from a DNR helicopter. Christina Lamey, a spokesperson for Cape Breton Regional Municipality, said electricity in the area was turned off to more than 3,000 customers to support firefighting efforts but it has since been restored. In an update on Facebook at 2:30 p.m. Sunday, CBRM said the fire has not grown since Saturday evening. It is now 2.1 hectares in size. Three fire stations remain on the scene with the DNR and a helicopter is on standby. Rain is in the forecast for Sunday evening and is expected to continue until Monday, said the municipality.
