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'The major stumbling blocks are wages and recruitment and retention.' - Shelley Ward.
Charlottetown (17 March 2010) - Negotiations affecting 1,250 members of Prince Edward Island's department of health are headed for arbitration.
The P.E.I. Union of Public Sector Employees (PEIUPSE/NUPGE) says arbitration became necessary after the talks, which began nearly a year ago, broke down "leaving mostly monetary issues on the table."
The impasse went to legal conciliation earlier this month without any resolution of outstanding issues, says PEIUPSE president Shelley Ward.
"We are now seeking final and binding arbitration to settle the health collective agreement. The major stumbling blocks are wages, recruitment and retention,” says Ward.
The employees, who have been without a contract since March 31 last year, include licensed practical nurses, resident care workers and other professional job categories.
NUPGE
The National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE) is one of Canada's largest labour organizations with over 340,000 members. Our mission is to improve the lives of working families and to build a stronger Canada by ensuring our common wealth is used for the common good. NUPGE