Member Update: Civil Service Conciliation Fails

Dear members,  

Final attempts to negotiate a new collective agreement with your employer failed on Tuesday afternoon, as government officials refused to budge on issues of key importance. 

Originally, August 8th and 9th had been set aside for an arbitration hearing with the Labour Board. However, the NSGEU and government officials agreed to return to the table for one last attempt at conciliation, in hopes of reaching a deal. In the event conciliation failed, government officials agreed they would not oppose the union’s request for arbitration. 

Unfortunately, government was unwilling to budge on any significant issues of importance to our members. 

It has become abundantly clear that government is not genuinely interested in reaching an agreement with us. This has been an extremely frustrating process for members of our bargaining committee – as I am sure it has been for you, the members they represent. However, the union will now proceed to arbitration – as promised by government – with the goal of reaching a fair agreement once the Premier is removed from the bargaining table.

Please watch for further updates. We thank you for your patience and support as we continue to try to reach a fair agreement on your behalf

In solidarity,

Jason MacLean

President, NSGEU