NEWS RELEASE

For immediate Release:

Monday, September 9, 2013

NAPE Reaches Pivotal Point in Public Sector Bargaining

ST. JOHN’S, NL – NAPE is headed back to the bargaining table this week for 12 public sector bargaining units.

According to NAPE President Carol Furlong, NAPE’s Executive officers had a series of meetings over the summer with the Minister of Finance and government officials to try and address the issues that had been prolonging negotiations.

“This is a pivotal time in negotiations,” stated Furlong. “We have reached a point where we will either get tentative collective agreements during this round of bargaining or have no choice but to apply for conciliation. Based on discussions we have had with the Minister of Finance we are optimistic we can make significant progress.”

This week, negotiations are underway for Hospital Support Staff, General Service, Maintenance Operational Services, Newfoundland Liquor Corporation, Student Assistants, College of North Atlantic Support Staff, School Boards, Marine Services, and Laboratory & X-ray. Those scheduled for next week include: Health Professionals, Air Services, and Group Homes.

NAPE represents over 20,000 public sector workers in Newfoundland and Labrador.

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For further information please contact:

Keith Dunne, NAPE Campaigns and Communications Coordinator

(phone) 709.570.2501        (cell) 709.631.9737      (e-mail) kdunne@nape.nf.ca