Public sector workers represented by NAPE have ratified an extension to their current contract. It’s for two years with a total four per cent wage increase. Nearly 80 per cent voted in favour.
NAPE says over 8,900 votes were cast, marking a 31 per cent increase in voter turnout when compared to the last ratification vote.
Fourteen of the 15 bargaining units voted for the deal, which was reached just before Christmas. However, correctional officers around the province—including those at Her Majesty’s Penitentiary—rejected it.
Forty-two per cent of correctional officers did not like the extension, so talks with that group will resume. They are considered essential workers, so they cannot strike or be locked out.
Provincial public sector workers represented by CUPE have rejected a similar offer—they say it claws back pension benefits.
Finance Minister Pleased with Bargaining Process
Finance Minister Tom Osborne says he’s pleased with the results of the ratification process, the dialogue, and the approach taken in this particular process with NAPE.
Osborne says they will give NAPE time to talk with corrections officers—the only group not to accept the agreement. Government will then sit with NAPE to discuss why it was rejected, and find a path forward.
He understands some of the unique issues faced by corrections officers, and believes it’s fair to give NAPE leadership a chance to hold discussions with the workers, to determine where they need to focus, and whether there is an available resolution.
Finance Minister Tom Osborne says he’s happy with the extension agreement with NAPE.
He says it’s fair to give NAPE leadership time for dialogue with Corrections Officers, who did not accept the agreement. @VOCMNEWS #nlpoli pic.twitter.com/Gt5FLqw0l5
— Ben Murphy (@VOCMBen) February 4, 2020
Osborne says NAPE does a good job in representing the concerns of their members, while government did the best they could to represent the people of the province, as well as Newfoundland and Labrador’s fiscal situation. He indicates the dialogue has been respectful, as well as a demonstrated respect for the process of bargaining.
CUPE has served notice to return to the bargaining table, but Osborne says he was disappointed with tactics employed by CUPE during the ratification process with another union—referencing media ads and a public campaign. Osborne states that it’s not the first time that it has happened.
Osborne says he will continue dealing in good faith, and that approach will not stop him from doing so.