Union Board

International Union of Operating Engineers (IUOE) Local 721B

Who is IUOE Local 721B?

IUOE Local 721B is a local union of the International Union of Operating Engineers (IUOE). In the ONLS workplace, Local 721B represents Residential Counsellors under the applicable collective agreement.

What is the union’s role at ONLS?

Local 721B is the certified bargaining agent for unionized ONLS employees. This means the union:

• Represents employees in collective bargaining
• Enforces the collective agreement
• Supports members with workplace issues and concerns
• Ensures employee rights are protected under labour law

What does the collective agreement cover?

The collective agreement sets out terms and conditions of employment, including but not limited to:

• Wages and pay structures
• Hours of work and scheduling
• Overtime and premiums
• Benefits and leaves
• Health and safety
• Workplace rights and responsibilities
• Grievance and dispute-resolution processes

What is the union’s responsibility to employees?

Local 721B has a legal Duty of Fair Representation, meaning it must represent all employees in the bargaining unit:

• Fairly
• Without discrimination
• In good faith

What is ONLS’s responsibility?

ONLS is required to:

• Recognize Local 721B as the bargaining agent
• Bargain in good faith
• Follow the collective agreement
• Comply with the Nova Scotia Trade Union Act

How are workplace concerns addressed?

Most workplace issues are addressed through:

• Informal or formal discussions with supervisors
• Union consultation or representation
• The grievance process outlined in the collective agreement

Why is this important for Residential Counsellors?

Union representation helps ensure:

• Clear and consistent working conditions
• Fair treatment in the workplace
• A formal process for resolving concerns
• A collective voice in workplace decisions

Wade Evoy
(902) 864-8258

Sharon Walker
(902) 864-4358

Nova Scotia Trade Union Act — Quick Facts

What is it?
The Nova Scotia Trade Union Act is the main provincial law that governs labour relations in unionized workplaces. It sets out the rights and responsibilities of employees, unions, and employers.

Who does it apply to?

• Most unionized employees in Nova Scotia
• Some groups (such as most civil servants and certain corrections employees) are covered by other legislation

Key Employee Rights

• The right to join or form a union
• The right to bargain collectively through a union
• The right to fair representation by the union
• The right to strike in most sectors (with legal requirements)

Union Responsibilities

• Must represent all employees in the bargaining unit fairly and in good faith
• Must negotiate and administer collective agreements responsibly
• Must follow legal processes for strikes and dispute resolution

Employer Responsibilities

• Must recognize the certified union as the bargaining agent
• Must bargain in good faith
• Must follow the collective agreement and the Act

Collective Agreements

• The Act governs how collective agreements are negotiated, applied, and enforced
• Special processes exist for settling first contracts if agreement cannot be reached

Dispute Resolution

• The Act provides legal processes to resolve workplace disputes
• Additional rules apply in sectors such as healthcare and community services

Who Enforces the Act?

• The Nova Scotia Labour Relations Board oversees certifications, complaints, and disputes

Why It Matters

• Promotes fair, stable, and respectful labour relations
• Protects employee rights while supporting safe and effective service delivery

Link: Trade Union Act

Click Below for the current collective agreement between Our Neighbourhood Living Society and International Operating Engineers Local 721B is shown below. Expiry date October 31, 2027. CA ONLS and IOUE (doc is located in file area)