Minister Marshall said the new collective agreements benefit the entire province by recognizing the valuable contributions members of CUPE make on a daily basis, and reflecting the province�s ability to pay its employees without jeopardizing the health of the public treasury.

"Government has to take a balanced approach to managing the finances of this province," said Minister Marshall. "We have to ensure there are funds available to invest in health care, education, infrastructure, and poverty reduction. We have to ensure there is money available to pay on our massive debt and for wage increases for employees now and into the future. The agreements we are signing today strike that necessary balance."

A tentative agreement was reached between the Provincial Government and CUPE on April 24, 2008, covering six collective agreements. The agreements span four years with salary increases of eight per cent in the first year and four per cent in each of the following three years. Members of CUPE ratified the contract by over 96 per cent.

Minister Marshall said the agreements include a larger increase of eight per cent in the first year in recognition of the sacrifice public employees have made in achieving greater financial stability in the province in recent years.

Mr. Lucas said the new four-year collective agreements bring labour peace between the Provincial Government and the 4,200 members of CUPE who are party to the agreements.

"These collective agreements are good for our members, their families and Newfoundland and Labrador," said Mr. Lucas. "It�s obvious our members are pleased by the resounding vote of confidence we were given at the ratification meetings."

Minister Marshall said the Provincial Government looks forward to concluding other collective agreements with public employees that, like the CUPE agreements, serve the long-term best interest of all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians.

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