Media Release: NSGEU to Hold Information Sessions for Civil Service Members Prior to Vote

Province-wide: The NSGEU will be holding information sessions with its Civil Service locals over the next five (5) to six (6) weeks. This is being done to allow time to meet with the membership face-to-face prior to setting the date for the vote on the tentative agreement reached on November 13, 2015.

“Government interference in the normal collective bargaining process has caused a great deal of confusion among the membership and mistrust,” says Jessome. “Our members are telling us they need more information and time before they vote on this tentative agreement.”

The information sessions will begin on Tuesday, December 8. In many instances they will take place during an already scheduled Local meeting.

“Our normal process for the ratification of a tentative agreement in the Civil Service has been to meet with members and then, hold a mail in ballot. It has always been time consuming but has also allowed us to hear from all the members and ensures they have a voice,” says Jessome. “After initially considering a faster process, we are now returning to our normal process. We have a right to carry out a vote in the way our membership sees fit.”

Jessome concluded: “Meeting with the membership is more difficult this time of year because there are approximately two weeks where no meetings can be held due to the holidays. But we will take the time needed to allow for full input by our members.”

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The Nova Scotia Government and General Employees Union represents over 30,000 women and men who provide quality public services Nova Scotians count on every day.

For more information, please contact: Deedee Slye, NSGEU Communications Officer 902.424.4063 (office), 902.497-6761 (cell), dslye@nsgeu.ca