Health Sector Transition Support Program Announced

Details of a severance package, referred to as the Transition Support Program, for health sector workers were released today by Health Minister Jamie Muir.

The program, comparable to one announced last month for direct government employees, is intended to provide support to health care workers employed by acute care employers who are displaced through budget reductions or as a result of changes within health care service delivery.

Many positions will be reduced through not filling vacancies or through natural attrition. All of the province's health care organizations have been asked to look first at savings in the administration and non-clinical areas, with the goal to minimize the impact of budget reductions on direct patient care.

"This government is committed to ensuring our health care system is sustainable, responsive and secure," said Mr. Muir. "This program will ensure workers in the health sector receive fair compensation as we move forward with much-needed changes in the system."

A labour management forum, composed of health sector unions and management, was also actively involved in discussions regarding the development of the Transition Support Program. The forum is in place to assist in the transfer of employees from the regional health boards to the new district health authorities.

The program will be in effect from April 1, 2000, to March 31, 2002, and provides for:

• severance of four weeks salary, per year of service, from a minimum of eight weeks to a maximum of 52 weeks
• transition allowance to a maximum of $2,500
• continued participation in the group life and health plans during the severance period

Employees of the Central, Eastern, Northern and Western regional health boards, future district health authorities, Cape Breton Healthcare Complex, QEII Health Sciences Centre, and IWK Grace Health Centre who are not covered by other programs or agreements will be eligible for the severance package.