NSGEU concerned over 3% cuts to District Health Authorities

“We know a 3% cut will have an impact on our members and the vital services they provide.” - Joan Jessome, NSGEU President.

Halifax (24 Oct. 2011) - NSGEU President Joan Jessome is concerned about the impact a three per cent cut will have on workers, their workplaces and the delivery of health care services in the District Health Authorities (DHA).

“We don’t have the details as of yet, but we know that last year with a 0% increase to the budget, programs were cut and health care positions were eliminated,” says Jessome. “We know a 3% cut will have an impact on our members and the vital services they provide.”

Nova Scotia Government & General Employees Union (NSGEU/NUPGE) members provide a vast array of health care services in DHAs across the province that Nova Scotians rely on.

“We are putting together a plan of action and will be meeting with our members and employers in order to develop a response to the government’s announcement today,” adds Jessome. “I am in favour of finding efficiencies but not at the expense of health care services and programs to the public and not at the expense of healthy workplaces for our members.”

The NSGEU/NUPGE represents approximately 12,000 health care workers in the nine DHAs and the IWK including health care providers, maintenance and engineering staff, and administrative professionals.

NUPGE

The National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE) is one of Canada's largest labour organizations with over 340,000 members. Our mission is to improve the lives of working families and to build a stronger Canada by ensuring our common wealth is used for the common good. NUPGE