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"To defeat this attack on public sector employees and the valuable public services you all provide to the people of this province, we must stay patient, united and focused." – Carol Furlong, NAPE President.
St. John's (09 July 2013) – Carol Furlong, President of the Newfoundland and Labrador Association of Public and Private Employees (NAPE/NUPGE) updates members working for the provincial government on bargaining.
Progress on minor issues, government refuses to settle major issues
While negotiating teams were making some progress on minor items, there has been no progress on major bargaining concerns including monetary items such as salary increases or on the implementation of the Joint Evaluation System. The provincial government has not made any monetary offer and will not while its concessions, such as changes to severance pay, are still on the table.
At this point government has not tabled any proposals that would indicate an intention of bargaining in a manner that would lead to satisfactory collective agreements.
NAPE following a steady course of action
Over the last year of negotiations, NAPE/NUPGE has followed a two-pronged course of action. The union has been focused at the bargaining table, negotiating for a fair deal for members and protecting services which are important to the public. At the same time, the union has been demonstrating to the public the importance of public services and public service workers and showing how the union is taking an active role in leading public debate on important issues that concern everyone in the province, not just government workers.
This public campaign is designed to gain support for public services and public employees, to bring attention to government’s agenda, including dismantling and privatizing public services, and the devastating impact this agenda will have on workers, your communities, and the people of our province. The campaigns, in particular our ‘Have Province Have People’ campaign have had a significant influence on public debate and created considerable discussion throughout the entire province.
Public pressure to force government to negotiate fairly
As the public sees what the agenda is for this government, pressure will be brought to bear on representatives to negotiate a fair and reasonable deal for workers. The union will continue to reach out to Newfoundlanders and Labradorians to build a movement which supports workers and public services. It will continue to represent the priorities at the bargaining table but knows that for collective bargaining to be successful it must have two willing participants.
At a time when the province is an economic leader, the government continues to attack and undermine its workers and cut important services that people rely on. NAPE/NUPGE is determined to challenge these actions, on behalf of its members but also families and communities across the province.
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