Minister announces funding for new classification system

Treasury Board President Anna Thistle announced today that this year�s budget provides $600,000 for the development the new classification system announced earlier this year. As part of today�s announcement, there will be a number of positions created over a two to three year period in the Classification, Organization and Management Division of Treasury Board. These positions will allow the division to study and review all bargaining unit classes and foster the development of the new system.

"The objective of the review will be to modernize the current classification system and ensure that it reflects the changing nature of the professions involved, their complexity and technological change," said Thistle. "The implementation of an entire new system is a major initiative. Government intends to be fair to all of its employees, and that will be the major principle which guides our efforts to modernize the classification system."

The new system is not intended to provide raises or changes to existing salary scales but rather will determine whether these groups are properly placed within pay scales. The province recognizes the need to replace the current 30 year old system. Most other provinces and the federal government are in a similar position as they are in the process of replacing or modifying their classification plans for bargaining unit employees.

Media contact: David Wells, Communications, (709) 729-6830.

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