Local 97 – CDHA Nurses Grievance Update

More than 170 registered nurses who participated in the protest against Bill 37 on April 1, 2014 were given a two-day suspension by Capital Health. The NSGEU filed grievances in all of these cases.

On Tuesday, August 27, NSGEU representatives attended a step-three grievance meeting with Capital Health officials. Grievance meetings are arranged to allow your union and employer to discuss possible breaches of the collective agreement and how to best resolve them. In the case of the two-day suspensions, NSGEU has argued the discipline was unjust and unfair.

The union raised several questions during the recent meeting, including whether Capital Health fully considered its actions and the actions of the provincial government as a provocation that prompted the walkout.

Capital Health is required to reply to the grievance in writing. If that response does not lead to a satisfactory resolve to the grievance, the NSGEU is able to refer the matter to an independent arbitrator to decide whether the two-day suspensions were fair. The process of agreeing on an arbitrator and setting hearing dates often takes several months.

We will keep you informed of any developments. In the meantime, please call 902-424-4063 (toll-free 1-877-556-7438) or email inquiry@nsgeu.ca if you have any questions.