Providing Effective Services Through Sound Fiscal Management

Provincial Ferry Workers Ratify Collective Agreement

The Newfoundland and Labrador Association of Public and Private Employees (NAPE) has ratified a collective agreement with the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, representing approximately 250 workers in the intra-provincial ferry fleet. Members previously voted against ratifying an agreement, prompting a conciliation process which recently concluded.

“This agreement includes appropriate benefits for employees who work in the provincial ferry system, and allows government the necessary scheduling flexibility to better meet the needs of communities served by this system. This is a fair deal for workers, and allows our government the opportunity to improve the intra-provincial ferry service through more appropriate scheduling.”
- The Honourable Charlene Johnson, Minister of Finance and President of Treasury Board

The agreement includes benefits for the unique working circumstances of employees, including an increase to the overtime allowance from approximately $2,700 to $4,294 annually. The agreement also allows new scheduling flexibility for the Department of Transportation and Works. The department can now change the sailing schedule twice per year without incurring additional costs. This will allow the department to work more efficiently with serviced communities to better meet seasonal transportation needs.

Through sound fiscal management and responsible decisions, the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is strengthening the business environment, encouraging the development of innovative industries, and building a vibrant economy.

QUICK FACTS

• The Marine Services group represents approximately 250 employees in the intra-provincial ferry system.
• The agreement shares the framework of recent NAPE agreements including a five per cent general economic increase over the term of the agreement, and a pro-rated one-time payment of $1,400.
• NAPE represents approximately 17,000 public employees across government.

- 30 -

Media contact:
Tansy Mundon
Director of Communications
Department of Finance
709-729-6830, 693-1865
tansymundon@gov.nl.ca 

2014 02 03             2:30 p.m.