The Nova Scotia Utility Review Board has issued its decision with respect to the review of Nova Scotia Power's preparedness for post-tropical storm Arthur, a review ordered by the McNeil Liberal government in July 2014. The UARB makes several findings (paragraphs 70-81 in the report) that will require further reporting/implementation from Nova Scotia Power. As well, the Board outlines a new process for vegetation management and storm-hardening. To read the UARB's 41-page public decision, visit the UARB database of cases page and search on case "M0621." The link to the PDF document is in the "Exibits" list near the bottom. Click on "Board Decision."

The Liberal government will be introducing legislation later today that Health Minister Leo Glavine has said will dictate to health care workers to which union they will belong. This is a violation of the Trade Union Act which gives workers the right to a union of their choice, not their employer's choice. Nova Scotia's health care unions are united against this legislation and are calling on the government to accept a deal to create a bargaining association for health care, a model that has been employed successfully in British Columbia.

The Nova Scotia Federation fo Labour is encouraging all union activists and members and our social justice allies to come to a rally starting at 4 pm on Monday, September 29th at Province House in support of our health care workers and free collective bargaining. The House will beginning sitting at 7 pm and we want to be there as the politicians begin to arrive. This could be a late night depending on how long the House sits, so dress warm.

When: Monday, September 29th beginning at 4 pm
Where: Province House on Hollis St in Halifax
Why: To stand up for free and fair collective bargaining

IBEW International First District (Canada) VP Bill Daniels sees the Harper government's reintroduction of the anti-worker bill C-377 (see next news story) as a pre-2015-election strategy to solidify fincancial support from right-wing organizations, and as punishment for union activism in the recent provincial election in Ontario. He's asking for all IBEW members to educate oursleves about Federal issues, particularly bills C-377 and C-525 and for all of us to get involved where we can in protecting workers' rights from American-style right-to-work legislation. Please read Brother Daniels letter here, and use this list of contact information for Nova Scotia and PEI Senators to register your displeasure with the Harper government's move to fast-track Bill C-377 through the Senate.

OTTAWA (CP) — Conservative senators are making a bid to cut short debate on private members' business just as the Senate is about to revive debate on a controversial bill that would force unions to publicly disclose details of their spending.

The timing of the two moves has sparked suspicions that the Harper government wants to whisk bill C-377 through the Senate, avoiding the scrutiny that prompted senators, including 16 Conservatives, to gut the bill the first time it came before the upper house.

In June 2013, the Senate sent C-377, sponsored by Conservative MP Russ Hiebert, back to the House of Commons with amendments that effectively eviscerated the bill, which critics have called unconstitutional, undemocratic and an invasion of privacy.

However, Prime Minister Stephen Harper prorogued Parliament before the House of Commons could consider the amendments and, in accordance with rules for reinstating legislation following prorogation, the bill wound up back in the upper chamber in its original form.

- See more at: http://www.labour-reporter.com/articleview/22326-bill-c-377-revived-senators-move-to-limit-debate#sthash.HsJvQ5bL.dpuf

The Nova Scotia Federation of Labour is holding a series of town hall meetings on federal issues for trade union activists and local leaders. These town halls are designed to determine the major federal issues our members are facing and to begin building capacity toward the 2015 Federal Election. The labour movement across the country is preparing to defend our members’ interests and hold the Harper government to account. From health care to employment insurance, from the right-to-strike to issues at the bargaining table, we want to make sure folks know what is going on and get feedback on which issues should be part of Labour's campaign. The town halls will be discussion-based and everyone is encouraged to participate. All town halls take place from 6pm to 8pm.

South Shore - Tuesday, September 23, Best Western, 527 Highway 10, Cookville: In Main Convention Centre

Valley - Monday, September 29, Old Orchard Inn, 153 Greenwich Road South, Exit 11, Highway 101, Wolfville: Salon A

Truro - Tuesday, September 30, Glengarry Hotel, 150 Willow St., Truro: Salon D

Yarmouth - Wednesday, October 1, Rodd Grand Hotel, 417 Main St., Yarmouth: Clare/Argyle Room

Sydney - Thursday, October 9, Holiday Inn Sydney,  300 Esplanade, Sydney: Mariner A Room

Halifax - Tuesday, October 14, NSGEU Office, 255 John Savage Drive, Dartmouth, Convention Centre

Antigonish – Wednesday, October 15, St. FX University, Antigonish: Conference Room A, Keating Centre

Amherst – Tuesday, October 21, Wandlyn Amherst, Cumberland Room