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NBUPPE issues memo on Internal Service Agency

'We have been assured this is not an exercise to cut jobs but is part of the government’s initiative to meet future challenges.'

Fredericton (23 Feb. 2010) - The New Brunswick Union of Public and Private Employees (NBUPPE/NUPGE) has issued a memo to clerical and regulator members clarifying what is known to date about the new N.B. Internal Services Agency (NBISA) planned by the provincial government.

Key points in the memo are as follows:

  • Legislation to establish the NBISA has been introduced and should soon be enacted.
  • The agency will remain in Part 1 of the Public Service and employees will continue to be part of the civil service falling under the Civil Service Act.
  • Those who currently have bargaining rights will continue to be represented by NBUPPE.
  • The NBISA will be located in Fredericton. A site has yet to be determined.
  • All reporting lines for affected staff will change on April 1.
  • Although the agency is to begin operation on April 1, the move of employees from their current department to the agency will take place in stages.
  • Payroll employees from only two departments are scheduled to move on April 1. The union expects to know soon which departments will be involved.
  • When the first phase of the transfer is complete, payroll, accounts payable, computing facilities, and the IT help desk will be the four internal government services moved to NBISA.
  • Accounts payable is scheduled to move on June 15. Subsequent moves are planned on Sept. 1, Nov. 15 and Jan. 15, 2011.
  • Meetings are planned this week with all affected staff.
  • The employer has said no one in the regions will be required to move.
  • However, the goal is to have all work moved to one location. So it is conceivable that duties performed by regional employees may change. The union is committed to working with departments to identify duties at the same classification level for employees who choose not to relocate.
  • The union is advised that NBISA will invite all affected employees to Fredericton for meetings on March 9, 10 or 11.

"We have been assured this is not an exercise to cut jobs but is part of the government’s initiative to meet future challenges," the union says.

"NBUPPE is committed to addressing any concerns which come to light as a result of this restructuring.  The membership is encouraged to contact the union should any question or difficulty arise during the next few months as the ISA transitions to full strength.

 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