Early childhood educators at Munro Academy in Sydney Mines, N.S., have ratified their first collective agreement, ending a strike that lasted more than three weeks.
The 23 workers, represented by Unifor Local 4600, voted to accept a three-year deal that secures 40-hour workweeks, according to the union. The educators walked off the job on Sept. 8, 2025.
“These 23 women stood together to organize their workplace and join Unifor, went on strike to demonstrate their commitment, won a fair agreement and now get to return to work doing what they love — this is the power of a union in action,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne in a statement.
The contract includes additional vacation allowance, paid education leave, access to a women’s advocate, and increased sick days, according to Unifor. Wages are tied to the provincial wage grid for early childhood educators under the federal-provincial funding agreement.
“Bargaining a first contract requires a huge amount of work and this crew is to be celebrated for their commitment to each other and to the kids they care for every day,” said Unifor Atlantic Regional Director Jennifer Murray.
The employer has told workers to return to work on Monday, Oct. 6, according to the union.
Unifor represents 320,000 workers in the private sector across Canada.
