Ratified deal with nurses

Joan Marie Aylward, President of Treasury Board, said today she was pleased that a tentative agreement with the Newfoundland and Labrador Nurses Union (NLNU) has been ratified. The tentative deal will see nurses receive a 15 per cent salary increase, similar to that which was received by other public sector workers, and other benefits over the life of the agreement.

The minister said reaching a negotiated settlement reaffirms a new era of cooperation between government and public sector unions. "I am sure people throughout our province will be pleased that our nurses will continue to provide us with quality health care, without interruption, over the coming years," said the minister. "This government is committed to working with our public sector unions to negotiate settlements which are fair to our government employees but also fair to tax payers who pay our salaries."

This agreement will enhance nursing recruitment efforts and provides benefits for all nurses. The NLNU recommended acceptance of the tentative agreement when it was presented to nurses in preparation for a ratification vote which took place on Friday, May 24, 2002.

Media contact: Glenn Bruce, Communications, (709) 729-6793.

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