CDHA support services and clerical staff vote to accept employer’s final offer

Members disappointed employer refused to negotiate the long service increment other health workers received in their last round of bargaining.

Halifax (23 Jan. 2013) – Clerical staff and support services members of Nova Scotia Government and General Employees Union (NSGEU/NUPGE) who work at the Capital District Health Authority (CDHA) have voted to accept their employer’s final offer.

Ballots were counted at the NSGEU/NUPGE head office on January 21 and 57 per cent of those who cast ballots in each local voted to accept the final offer that had been presented by the employer.

“While we are pleased that we reached an agreement with the employer, there was clear disappointment in not achieving the 3.5 per cent long service increment that other health service workers received in their last round of bargaining,” said NSGEU President Joan Jessome.

Highlights of this new agreement include a 7.5 per cent wage increase over three years – consistent with the wage pattern set in recent bargaining with CDHA – an improvement in job security language, as well as changes in shift and weekend premiums and stand-by compensation.

Within the two bargaining units there are approximately 2,700 members who provide a wide range of services in the District Health Authority. Occupations include communications clerk, medical transcriptionist, secretary, clerk, accounting clerk, booking and registration clerk and stores clerk, laundry worker, mechanic, carpenter, electrician, painter, maintenance, cook, restaurant worker, utility worker, power engineer, welder and others.

The collective agreements both expired on October 31, 2011.

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