Executive Council
June 4, 2007

Minister Comments on Arbitration Board Decision

The Honourable Tom Marshall, Minister of Finance and President of Treasury Board, commented today on the decision of the arbitration board regarding salary issues in collective agreement negotiations between the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary Association (RNCA) and the Provincial Government.

Under the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary Act, the RNCA has the right to final and binding arbitration without the right to strike. An independent arbitration board was selected by both parties in March and mandated only to rule on salary increases. The mandate of the board was to select one of the offers submitted by the parties. The board could not award a compromise salary solution.

�Government entered into an independent process outlined in legislation. We presented a salary position which is consistent with all collective agreements to date,� said Minister Marshall. �The board selected the salary position put forth by the RNCA which includes two wage freeze years and, today, I am confirming that our government accepts the panel�s decision and we will move immediately to sign a collective agreement that implements the recommendation regarding salaries. I thank the RNCA and the arbitration panel for their respective contributions to this process and look forward to continuing to work with the RNC as they deliver a valued service to the people of our province.�

Minister Marshall said salaries were the only bargaining issue before the board. All other benefits were negotiated during the collective bargaining process, including a reduction in sick leave for new employees.

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Media contact:
Melony O�Neill
Communications Branch
Executive Council
709-729-0557
MOneil@gov.nl.ca