It is a pleasure for me to rise today to announce that over the weekend, a tentative agreement was reached with the Newfoundland and Labrador Nurses Union (NLNU). The recommended tentative deal will see nurses receive a salary increase of 15 per cent over 36 months.

This agreement will enhance nursing recruitment efforts and provides benefits for all nurses. The NLNU will recommend acceptance of the tentative agreement when it is brought to nurses for a ratification vote over the next few weeks.

Reaching a negotiated settlement with nurses, reaffirms a new era of cooperation between our government and our public sector unions. Since June of last year, we have signed 20 agreements with unions representing our public sector workers. I would like to thank our negotiating team for the long hours and hard work they put in during the negotiations. Government appreciates the job they have done and I am sure the people of the province also appreciate their efforts .

2002 04 23                          2:00 p.m.