Civil Servants Get More Time to Consider Options

Civil servants who receive layoff notices are getting more time to consider their options.

The change has been jointly agreed to by the Department of Human Resources and the Nova Scotia Government Employees Union (NSGEU).

Unionized civil servants who receive layoff notices and opt for the placement/displacement option will now have until July 14, to explore placement opportunities within government.

Employees who have received layoff notices must still choose one of the three options within the first five working days of receiving the notice. The change announced today allows those who opt for placement/displacement until July 14, to choose the enhanced severance.

"Providing employees with more time to make their decision is the fair thing to do," said Ron Russell, acting Minister of Human Resources.

"We're pleased the government listened to our concerns and agreed to extend the deadline," said NSGEU president Joan Jessome. "I hope the extra time will help ensure that employees are not rushed and will instead have enough information to make an informed decision about which option they choose."

The change is effective immediately.