Transition Support Program Announced

The Nova Scotia government today unveiled an enhanced severance program, the Transition Support Program, for government employees. The program establishes a fair severance package for direct government employees who will be laid off as a result of restructuring in government.

"We have made a commitment to treating employees fairly, and today we are delivering on that commitment," said Ron Russell, acting Minister of Human Resources.

The program is part of a planned approach to reduce costs through restructuring. Earlier measures included restricting hiring to essential positions. The budget for fiscal 2000-01 indicated there would be 600 fewer full-time positions in government compared to the last fiscal year. It now appears that will be less than 300.

"Many of these reductions will be met through not filling vacancies and through natural attrition," said Mr. Russell. "In cases where the elimination of a position results in a staff layoff, employees will have the opportunity to choose the transition support program."

Under the civil service collective agreement, employees who receive a layoff notice can opt for placement/displacement rights; placement on the recall list; resignation with severance. The Transition Support Program enhances the severance payment and provides transition services.

The Nova Scotia Government Employees' Union has endorsed the program. It has also agreed with the government's proposal to extend to five days from two days the time for employees who are in receipt of a layoff notice to consider their options.

"This is an important development and we thank the union for their agreement on this matter," said Mr. Russell.

The program provides:

• severance of 4 weeks salary per year of service, from a minimum of 8 weeks to a maximum of 52 weeks
• transition allowance to a maximum of $2,500
• Employee Assistance Program benefits
• continued participation in the group life and health plans during the severance period.

The Transition Support Program will be in effect from April 1, 2000, to March 31, 2002.