Selector's Decision Issued in Health Care Labour Dispute

The government of Nova Scotia has received the selector's decision in the final offer selection process for health care workers. The selector, Susan Ashley, released her decision to both the government and the NSGEU and the NSNU today.

Ms. Ashley accepted the government's final offer to licensed practical nurses and members of the NSGEU's health care bargaining unit and the unions' final offer for registered nurses.

The decision awards Nova Scotia's acute-care nurses, represented by both the NSGEU and the NSNU, wage increases of 7 per cent, 5 per cent and 5 per cent.

Licensed practical nurses, also represented by the two unions in the acute-care sector, will receive wage increases of 2 per cent, 2 per cent and 2 per cent, plus a 1.5 per cent classification review adjustment advance and a one-time payment of $1,500.

Healthcare workers in the Capital District Health Authority represented by the NSGEU will receive wage increases of 2 per cent, 2 per cent and 2 per cent, plus a 1.5 per cent classification review adjustment advance and a one-time payment of $1,500.

"We agreed with the final offer selection process and we accept the selector's decision," said Finance Minister Neil LeBlanc.

He said while the decision respecting nurses will cost the province $1 million over and above the offer government made through the final selection process, it will have a more significant impact in the long term because of the compounded effect of the unions' offer on a bigger wage base.

The decision for all three groups will cost the province $117.9 million over three years.

Mr. LeBlanc said he is pleased the process has been completed within its original time frame and hopes the decision will bring some stability to labour relations in the health-care sector.

The final offer selection process was agreed to by the government and the two unions, as well as CUPE, on July 5, as a means to solve labour disputes in the acute-care sector. A decision was expected for these particular NSNU and NSGEU collective agreements by Aug. 16.

The decision, which is final and binding on all parties, will be incorporated into collective agreements that will be effective from Nov. 1, 2000, through Oct. 31, 2003.