Job Losses in Halifax: Restorative Justice Caseworkers Face Uncertain Future

Job Terminations in Halifax

Six caseworkers from the Community Justice Society (CJS) in Halifax have recently accepted a tentative agreement with the province just days after being informed of their job losses. According to Nan McFadgen, president of CUPE Nova Scotia, the union representing the workers, the decision to terminate their positions has left many puzzled and concerned.

Background on the Situation

The caseworkers, who have been providing restorative justice services for over 25 years, received notice on April 7 that their service agreement with the province’s Justice Department was terminated. They were given until July 4 to finalize their cases and vacate their offices. Despite their long-standing commitment, the government’s abrupt decision has raised questions about its motivations.

Union Response

McFadgen expressed her disbelief, stating, “Why they (government) would just quit it without cause, that just doesn’t make any sense to me.” The union had been negotiating a new collective agreement for over a year and was prepared to go to conciliation in May.

Contract Details

The recently accepted contract included a 9% wage increase over two years, improvements in travel cost provisions, and better scheduling language. However, the workers feel forced to accept these terms under the threat of job loss. Denise Russell, the union local president, emphasized that their focus is not just on pay but on their passion for their work, lamenting the loss of their ability to continue providing these essential services.

Future of the Program

The province's restorative justice program, which started in 1999 and expanded to include adults in 2016, has more than a half dozen regional teams, but the Halifax CJS is the only unionized team. Following the termination of the CJS team, the John Howard Society is expected to temporarily fill the void, with the government planning to issue a request for proposals (RFP) for the services.

Ongoing Concerns

Despite the union's attempts to reach out for clarification on the job terminations, no substantial feedback from the government has been provided. The recent passage of Bill 1 by the Tim Houston-led Progressive Conservative government, which allows for the termination of public servants without cause, has only heightened concerns about job security among the workers.

The government describes the restorative justice program as a means to support individuals and communities affected by crime, allowing them to engage in a process that addresses the harms and develops future plans. However, the termination of the CJS team raises significant questions about the future effectiveness of these services in Halifax.