Employers pleased CUPE members accepted contract

New Glasgow - The employers representing the eight District Health Authorities outside of Halifax are pleased that the members of CUPE employed in their Districts have overwhelmingly accepted a new contract.
"The vote result makes it very clear to us that the employees are pleased," says Pat Lee, the Employers Representative and CEO of the Pictou County Health Authority. "Negotiations are about finding a balance and reaching an agreement that is fair to the employers, the union members and the taxpayers and that was done. Accepting the new contract is good news today for everyone."
A tentative agreement between the employers and the Canadian Union of Public Employees was reached on Jan. 18 during negotiations assisted by a provincial conciliator.
CUPE workers walked off the job for about an hour and a half before the agreement was reached.
"I want to extend congratulations to our Employer Bargaining Team for their commitment and perseverance and to the NSAHO (Nova Scotia Association of Health Organizations) Labour Relations group for its ongoing support. Thanks are also extended to the CUPE negotiators. We acknowledge that CUPE held off any strike action last fall during the H1N1 pandemic," says Lee.
CUPE represents about 4000 members in 18 bargaining units in Districts across the province. This includes employees in service, clerical and healthcare positions.