Provincial government and NAPE sign 13 collective bargaining agreements

The provincial government and NAPE have signed 13 collective bargaining agreements. The new agreements represent around 20,000 public service employees.

These agreements are for a four-year term.

Highlights of the agreements include a two percent wage increase each year for four years, a one-time employee recognition bonus payment of $2,000, and increases to travel on employer’s business provisions, including meal allowances and various reimbursements for vehicle usage.

There will also be an increase in protective clothing and uniform allowances, the formation of a joint committee to identify issues with recruitment and retention in all NAPE bargaining units, a review of the current policies and practices regarding e-work arrangements within government and its entities, including the regional health authorities, and flexibility for employees to substitute a statutory holiday such that they may observe a non-Christian faith-based holiday.

There will also be an increase in maternity, adoption and parental leave without pay to seventy-eight weeks and the addition of paid family violence leave, providing the ability for employees to take time away from the workplace.