Workers who can’t afford to drive need relief

Between inflation and the skyrocketing fuel price increases, all Nova Scotians are feeling an enormous amount of economic pressure.

But right now, exorbitant fuel costs are having a huge impact on public sector workers who are required to use their personal vehicles to deliver public services — such as, but certainly not limited to, home care workers, social workers, case aides, inspectors and public health nurses.

Fuel prices have increased an astronomical 51 per cent since December 2021 and 62 per cent since this time last year. At the same time, mileage rates were increased just 10 per cent on April 1, bringing the rates from 46.15 cents/km to 51.13 cents/ km. This means these public sector workers are now paying out of their own pockets to deliver public services.

This is wrong, and people need help, now.

We are hearing reports of workers who are afraid to buy groceries because they are worried they won’t be able to afford to put gas in their vehicles to get to work. Many are talking about needing to reduce their hours or take a leave of absence because they simply cannot afford to keep their cars on the road right now.

I have written to the premier, asking him to take immediate action to take the strain off these workers, and ensure they can continue to deliver the critical services so many Nova Scotians rely on.

We have also launched a public campaign, asking people to send a message to politicians so that they hear — loud and clear — how these skyrocketing costs are affecting the citizens of Nova Scotia.

The NSGEU remains prepared to work with the government to find an immediate solution to this problem.