IUOE Local 727 Statement on the Nova Scotia Supreme Court Ruling on Bill 148

IUOE Local 727 acknowledges today’s significant decision by the Honourable Justice Ann E. Smith of the Nova Scotia Supreme Court, who ruled that Bill 148, the Public Services Sustainability Act, is unconstitutional.

This ruling marks an important milestone for the members of IUOE Local 727 and for public sector workers across Nova Scotia. From the outset, our Union firmly believed that Bill 148 infringed upon the fundamental rights of our members, including their constitutionally protected right to meaningful collective bargaining.

In collaboration with other unions affected by this legislation, IUOE Local 727 retained the respected labour law firm Pink Larkin to pursue our opposition through the appropriate legal channels. While the process has been long and, at times, challenging, today’s decision affirms the importance of standing together to defend workers’ rights.

At this time, we do not yet have all the details of what this decision will mean moving forward. The legal and legislative process that follows could be lengthy and complex. However, we are carefully reviewing the ruling with counsel and will continue to assess the next steps in collaboration with our partners.

This decision provides a strong legal foundation as the process advances. It reinforces that governments must respect constitutional protections when engaging with organized labour and cannot unilaterally impose legislation that undermines free and fair collective bargaining.

IUOE Local 727 remains committed to protecting the rights, livelihoods, and dignity of our members. We will keep our membership fully informed as the process unfolds and will provide updates as more information becomes available.

We thank our members for their patience, solidarity, and continued trust throughout this process. Together, we will continue to advocate for fair treatment, respect, and the rule of law in all matters affecting working people.

In Solidarity,

Kevin MacMullin
Business Manager
International Union of Operating Engineers Local 727
kevin@iuoe727.ca
Cell: 902-719-4564
Office: 902-481-0523
PO Box 38013 Dartmouth,
NS B3B 1X2