Tentative Labour Agreement Applauded by Minister

Health-care services are one step closer to normal now that one of the unions in a labour dispute has reached a tentative agreement with district health authorities, Health Minister Chris d'Entremont said today, Nov. 1.

"We are pleased to hear that a tentative collective agreement has been reached today with the Canadian Union of Public Employees and 3,300 health-care workers will remain on the job," said Mr. d'Entremont. "Employers are still at the bargaining table with the Canadian Auto Workers and we must respect that and encourage them to work just as hard to reach a fair settlement with the employers."

Nova Scotia Association of Health Organizations, on behalf of the district health authorities, and the Canadian Union of Public Employees returned to the bargaining table Monday, Oct. 30, once the major stumbling block on pensions had been resolved.

Details of the new collective agreement will be shared by the union with its members through the ratification process.

Mr. d'Entremont congratulated the two parties for their hard work.

"I do know, from monitoring the situation closely, that many people worked very hard to find a resolution on this contentious issue. I believe all involved are to be congratulated for their goodwill."