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Conciliation talks to begin to resolve bargaining impasse.
Halifax (27 Sept. 2012) - Clerical and administrative professional members of the Nova Scotia Government and General Employees' Union (NSGEU/NUPGE) employed by the Capital District Health Authority have filed for conciliation assistance after bargaining reached an impasse.
The union has written the Minister of Labour and Advanced Education to request the assistance of a conciliation officer to help the two parties move forward in negotiations.
Conciliation is an option under the Nova Scotia Trade Union Act that takes place when regular negotiations fail to bring an agreement. Either party may write a letter to the Minister requesting the services of a conciliation officer. The conciliation officer does not have the power to impose a settlement on either party. Instead, their role is to mediate between the parties and help them reach an agreement.
If an agreement cannot be reached, the conciliation officer will issue a report starting a 14-day countdown. During that period, the employer is prohibited from making any changes to wages, benefits or any other condition of employment but parties may continue to work toward a settlement. For any work stoppage to take place the 14-day countdown period must have expired and a 48-hour notice of strike or lock-out must be served. For the union, members must take a vote on whether or not to initiate strike action.
Members will be informed once conciliation dates have been confirmed.
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