As a result of ratification votes held across the province in recent weeks, the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is announcing that seven collective agreements have been ratified and will proceed to signing with the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE), representing public service employees across education, health care and social support sectors. These agreements represent over 3,500 CUPE members throughout the province.
The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador and CUPE worked together to reach a fair and responsible agreement that is intended to strengthen our public service. Highlights of the agreements include:
- A two per cent wage increase each year for four years;
- A one-time employee recognition bonus payment of $2,000;
- Increases to travel on employer’s business provisions, including meal allowances and various reimbursements for vehicle usage;
- Increases to uniform and footwear allowances;
- A review of the current policies and practices regarding e-work arrangements within government and its entities, including the regional health authorities;
- Flexibility for employees to substitute a statutory holiday such that they may observe a non-Christian faith based holiday;
- An increase in maternity, adoption and parental leave without pay to seventy-eight weeks; and
- The addition of paid family violence leave, providing the ability for employees to take time away from the workplace.
These agreements are for a four year term and include:
- Hospital Support;
- School Boards 1560;
- School Boards Master;
- Provincial Information and Libraries Board;
- Government House;
- Group Homes/Transition Houses; and
- Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation.
Since last year, the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador has successfully negotiated collective agreements and memoranda of understanding with five unions and associations including NAPE for the renewal of 13 public service collective agreements. As collective bargaining continues with other public service groups, the province is continuing to diligently work to secure agreements through progressive and respectful negotiations.
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“I am pleased that the membership of CUPE has ratified these agreements. The negotiating teams from government and the Canadian Union of Public Employees worked together to create new terms and conditions of employment that will benefit our public service. I thank everyone for their collaboration. We value our public service employees who are members of CUPE as they serve the community in health care, education, housing, social supports and libraries.”
Honourable Siobhan Coady
Deputy Premier, Minister of Finance and President of Treasury Board
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