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NLIS 5
August 30, 2000
(Executive Council)

 

Government releases results of classification review

President of Treasury Board Anna Thistle and Roger Grimes, Minister of Health and Community Services, announced today the results of a comprehensive review of the nursing occupation, licenced practical nurse (LPN) classification, social worker classification and selected classes represented by the Association of Allied Health Professionals (AAHP).

The review of the nursing profession as well as LPNs and social workers was announced on February 18, 2000, while the review of selected classes within the AAHP had been committed to earlier.

"This was a comprehensive review by government," said Minister Thistle. "Throughout the review government officials consulted extensively with employees, their unions and associations, and management officials.

"The review indicated there had been significant change within the nursing occupation. I am pleased to say the result is that nursing positions are being reclassified upward by two levels."

As an example, as of today, the starting hourly rate for a new nurse will go from $17.45 to $18.81, taking the annual salary from $34,028 to $36,680. For the experienced nurse at the top of the scale, the level the majority of nurses have reached, the hourly rate will go from $21.59 to $23.41, taking the annual salary from $42,101 to $45,650.

Minister Thistle stated that the cost to government to provide the salary increases for nurses as a result of the review will total approximately $17 million.

LPNs and social workers have also been reclassified upwards two levels and the classes of the AAHP studied - social workers, occupational therapists, physiotherapists, dietitians, pharmacists and speech language pathologists - will be reclassified upward three levels. Those salary increases will total approximately $7 million.

"We are confident the results of the classification review are fair and reflect the changing nature of these health professions," said Minister Grimes. "We are also confident the review addresses the concerns raised by these groups."

The cost to government as a result of the classification review is approximately $24 million.

"This represents a significant investment by government into the province�s health care system by supporting its front-line workers," said Minister Grimes.

Minister Grimes noted that government is also acting on social worker concerns with respect to work load. A full-time researcher has been assigned to the workload study being completed by the Department of Health and Community Services, in conjunction with NAPE and the social workers.

Minister Thistle also referred to the review of the new job classification system for bargaining unit employees which was also committed to in February.

"Government is pursuing this project on a priority basis," said the minister. "Work has already commenced."

Media contact:

Carmel Parsons, Communications, Treasury Board, (709) 729-6830
Carl Cooper, Communications, Health and Community Services, (709) 729-1377

2000 08 30     11:45 a.m.


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