Minister Comments on Ratification of NAPE Collective Agreements

The Newfoundland and Labrador Association of Public and Private Employees (NAPE) has ratified 11 of 12 collective agreements with the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, representing approximately 17,000 public employees.

“This four-year agreement is a good deal for the public employees of our province, and I am pleased that it has been ratified by these 11 groups,” said the Honourable Tom Marshall, Minister of Finance and President of Treasury Board. “Throughout the negotiation process, all parties were focused on reaching a fair deal which recognizes the hard work and dedication of our public sector workers, and we are assured now that this was achieved.”

The ratified agreements include a five per cent salary increase over the term of the agreement and a signing bonus of $1,400 in year two of the agreement. It also includes increases to shift differentials, and a more than $10 per shift increase to standby pay. There is also $1.65 per hour market factor added for employees of various trades.

One collective bargaining unit did not ratify the tentative agreement. The Marine Services group, representing approximately 250 employees who work in the province’s intra-provincial ferry system, but does not include ferry captains, did not vote in favour of ratification.

The offer presented to the group included benefits suited to their unique working circumstances. This included an increase to the overtime allowance from approximately $2,700 to $4,300 annually. In return, the Provincial Government sought increased schedule flexibility within the existing hours of work, without incurring additional costs, so that the Department of Transportation and Works could better meet the needs of the communities served.

“It is unfortunate that this group has chosen not to ratify this agreement,” said Minister Marshall. “However, we are pleased that the majority of the bargaining units have endorsed the contracts and will receive the negotiated benefits over the next four years.”

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

2013 10 22                                     4:20 p.m.