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Finance May 22, 2008 The following statement was issued by the Honourable Tom Marshall, Minister of Finance and President of Treasury Board. It was also read in the House of Assembly: Tentative Collective Agreement with CUPE Ratified I rise today to inform all members of the House of Assembly that the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) has ratified the collective agreement reached on April 24, 2008 between CUPE and the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador by an overwhelming 95 per cent. This agreement spans four years with salary increases of eight per cent in the first year and four per cent in each of the following three years. As Premier Williams has said, this is a good deal for the members of CUPE and a good deal for the people of Newfoundland and Labrador. With a 20 per cent salary increase over four years, this agreement recognizes the valuable contributions members of CUPE make to this province on a daily basis, yet the agreement is also sustainable in regard to all of the demands on the province�s finances. This agreement also reflects our government�s acknowledgment of the sacrifice our public employees have made in achieving greater financial stability in our province in recent years. The deal includes a larger increase in year one of eight per cent in recognition of the contribution they have made. This agreement also provides increases in shift differential rates and increases to stand by provisions. I was very pleased to hear through the media, CUPE National President Paul Moist, at the annual CUPE convention, refer to this agreement as probably the best deal in the country. We have consistently said that we fully intend to negotiate agreements that are reasonable, responsible and sustainable and that is exactly the deal that has been reached with CUPE. On behalf of Premier Williams and the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, I would like to thank Mr. Wayne Lucas and the CUPE negotiating teams for their professionalism throughout the entire process. We look forward to concluding other collective agreements with public employees that, like the CUPE agreement, are in the long-term best interest of all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians.2008 05 22 1:45 p.m.
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