Agreement Reached in Braemare Labour Dispute

Labour Minister Russell MacKinnon has announced a collective agreement has been achieved in one of two labour disputes being mediated by Milton Veniot, assisted by conciliators from the Department of Labour.

The agreement at Sydney's Braemare Adult Residential Centre was reached over the weekend and ratified by union members Monday evening. Negotiations at the second centre, Ocean View Manor, will continue once schedules are made free to work on the issues.

"Milton Veniot, who was appointed mediator 10 days ago, worked with representatives of both sides to reach an agreement," Mr. MacKinnon said. "We are pleased that CUPE union membership ratified the consensus reached by the negotiators. We also hope that this lead settlement will assist other facilities in reaching an agreement."

The appointment of Mr. Veniot, a New Glasgow lawyer, was a proactive measure taken to not only help resolve the differences between management and CUPE, but to ensure patient care would be uninterrupted.

"I thank all those involved who worked hard for a settlement, and at the same time respected and supported the collective-agreement process," Mr. MacKinnon said.