Good Neighbour Agreement Reached With Unions

The Provincial Government and the major public sector unions in the province have signed a Good Neighbour Agreement that will assist in addressing human resources issues in the event of a major disruption or emergent situation related to the current H1N1 pandemic. The Honourable Tom Marshall, Minister of Finance and Minister Responsible for the Public Service Secretariat, announced that the agreement was signed today.

�I am delighted to see our government and our public sector unions working collaboratively to reach this agreement,� said Minister Marshall. �It is important that as we respond to the H1N1 pandemic, we ensure the health, safety and security of the people of Newfoundland and Labrador are maintained.�

The implementation of the Good Neighbour Agreement will assist employers in any
required reassignment or rescheduling of staff to respond to situations related to the
H1N1 pandemic. The agreement allows for employees to work outside their bargaining unit, but not beyond their scope of practice; employees who are ill and cannot attend work will be compensated as per their collective agreements; employees can be redeployed on a voluntary basis or in accordance to collective agreements; time limits for the submission and processing of grievances will be waived; and employees will continue to be covered for workers� compensation benefits.

�This agreement will provide for a planned response to any emergency or disruption without undue delays and restrictions,� said the Honourable Jerome Kennedy, Minister of Health and Community Services. �It will also further assist our healthcare system as it continues to respond effectively and efficiently during the pandemic.�

Discussions with the Newfoundland and Labrador Nurses' Union, Newfoundland and Labrador Association of Public and Private Employees, Canadian Union of Public Employees, Newfoundland and Labrador Teachers' Association, Association of Allied Health Professionals and the Canadian Merchant Service Guild have been ongoing since late September. As part of the agreement, during the H1N1 pandemic, there will be a one-time exemption for the requirement for a medical note for one bout of influenza-like illness for a maximum of seven days. The Good Neighbour Agreement will remain in effect until the situation has improved sufficiently to allow for a return to regular operations.

- 30 -

Media contacts:

2009 11 13                                                    9:25 a.m.