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NSGEU urges government to appoint a mediator for the Capital Health dispute: Bruce Outhouse named

"If they are also prepared to bargain in good faith toward an agreement, then the appointment of a mediator would be of great assistance in helping the parties conclude a deal.” –Joan Jessome, NSGEU President.

sticker with NSGEU Nurses put patient safety first Halifax (21 Mar. 2014) — In a letter to the Minister of Labour, Kelly Regan, the Nova Scotia Government and General Employees Union (NSGEU/NUPGE) called on the Minister to appoint a mediator to help resolve the outstanding differences between NSGEU nurses and the Capital District Health Authority.

NSGEU/NUPGE pleased that Minister of Labour agreed with request to appoint mediator

“NSGEU/NUPGE nurses are trying hard to conclude a collective agreement that will address Capital Health’s scheduling practices and new policy of refusing to replace the first nurse who calls in sick. They are also fighting for the implementation of safe nurse-to-patient ratios,” says NSGEU President Joan Jessome.

Jessome adds, “the union wrote to the Minister of Labour asking for the appointment of a mediator in an effort to conclude a collective agreement. We believe the appointment of a good mediator can help resolve what appear to be insurmountable differences, so long as both parties are making good faith attempts to reach a deal.”

NSGEU nurses are still very willing to work hard to reach a deal.

Assistance to help resolve dispute is welcome after Capital Health refused to negotiate issues such as nurse-to-patient ratios

“Capital Health and the Province of Nova Scotia are the other parties to an agreement. If they are also prepared to bargain in good faith toward an agreement, then the appointment of a mediator would be of great assistance in helping the parties conclude a deal,” Jessome adds.

The appointment of a mediator is a common practice allowed under Section 40 of the Trade Union Act in Nova Scotia. The appointment is made by the Minister of Labour and can be requested by either or both parties. A mediator has no authority to impose a collective agreement, but is often helpful in pressuring all parties to compromise and reach a deal.

Read the full letter to the Labour Minister.

More information:

Nurses put patient safety first campaign

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