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"After all the labour havoc they have caused during their last term in office, haven't they realized they should stay out of the process and stop causing employees such unnecessary distress?" — Jason MacLean, NSGEU President
Halifax (22 Aug. 2017) — The McNeil government has interfered in negotiations with the women and men who work for Sherbrooke Village and has turned back what was a tentative agreement between the parties.
The Sherbrooke Village Restoration Commission and the Nova Scotia Government and General Employees Union (NSGEU/NUPGE) Local 50 had reached what the union believed was a tentative agreement with the help of a conciliator last week. Conciliation was paused with the understanding was that the Employer was taking what was discussed back to the Stephen McNeil government for their approval.
After consulting government, employer returns with worse conditions, despite a tentative agreement
"When conciliation resumed yesterday, it became clear that the employer's proposal did not get the approval of the McNeil government," says Jason MacLean, President of the NSGEU. "In fact, what the employer brought back was worse than what was discussed and agreed to last week."
Specifically, the wage offer and the proposal for a classification adjustment schedule were both worse than they were last week. Other previously agreed to items were changed as well.
NS government needs to stay out of bargaining
As a result, conciliation failed and the NSGEU/NUGPE has scheduled an information session for August 28, where the members will discuss their next steps.
"I cannot believe this McNeil government continues to meddle in the collective bargaining process," says MacLean. "After all the labour havoc they have caused during their last term in office, haven't they realized they should stay out of the process and stop causing employees such unnecessary distress?"
There are 73 members of Local 50, and they work in administration, historical interpretation, costumes, crafts, marketing and promotions, trades, security, and maintenance, and many other occupations at the Village.