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News - September 2009
The headlines for news items published during this month are listed below.
Click on the headline of your choice to see the entire text of the article.
• TC group arbitration award a ‘deep disappointment’
• ‘Body bag’ controversy an unfair smearing of NHU members’ diligent
and dedicated work preparing for possible pandemic
TC group arbitration award a ‘deep disappointment’
Posted September 29, 2009
The long-awaited arbitral award for the TC group has been handed down and the union bargaining team has candidly labelled the new collective agreement a “deep disappointment”.
The majority on the three-person panel ignored union arguments that the new contract should extent beyond current legislated wage restraints. Instead, it imposed a four-year agreement expiring June 21, 2011.
Having headed down that road, the panel majority simply tracked the legislated wage restraints when addressing monetary matters, providing the following annual pay increases:
• 2.3% on June 21, 2007;
• 1.5% on June 21, 2008;
• 1.5% on June 21, 2009; and
• 1.5% on June 21, 2010.
While the union sidesperson submitted a dissenting report, the arbitral award stands.
Members of the TC may wish to refer to the following documents to better understand the process, arguments and outcomes of this regrettable arbitral award:
• Arbitration award
• PSAC summary of the decision
• PSAC sidesperson's dissent
The bargaining team expressed its recognition and appreciation for the patience TC members have shown throughout this process. The agreement will soon be signed and the new terms and conditions then implemented.
The team noted that they tried every possible avenue to get the best deal possible and will continue the fight for the remuneration and conditions of employment TC members deserve.
‘Body bag’ controversy an unfair smearing of NHU members’ diligent and dedicated work preparing for possible pandemic
Posted September 18, 2009
NHU president Tony Tilley says the furore over body bags shipped to restock northern Manitoba first nations nursing stations should in no detract from the “diligent and dedicated work of our members” in preparing for possible pandemic outbreaks.
“This occurrence, seen by some as offensive, has in fact been blown way out of proportion. A restocking matter has become a political football that ignores and thereby discredits the massive efforts being undertaken by NHU members at Health Canada and the Public Health Agency of Canada to protect all the citizens of this country.”
Tilley pointed out that, since the SARS crisis a number of years ago, the NHU had fully supported management’s work on all aspects of an emergency response plan to deal with any pandemic outbreaks or other emergency health crises.
“It only makes sense that, in preparing for the worst possible situation, that one would supply the most difficult-to-reach areas of the country first. Just imagine the reaction if, in the middle of any crisis, it was discovered that the health authorities had not considered worst-case scenarios and moved to prepare for them!
“Employees responsible for executing this part of the overall plan should not be the subject of any investigation. Rather, they should be recognized for the dedication to duty their actions exemplified.”
Tilley also pointed out that NHU members have been taking training to enable them to perform extra duties should they be required. Members also continue to volunteer to staff communication lines critical to ensuring a worried population will have access to reliable information in the event of a pandemic.
“The unfortunate politicization of this ‘body bag’ incident is just another example of the partisan opportunism that is alienating growing numbers of Canadians from our politicians.
“Employees of Health Canada and the Public Health Agency of Canada should continue to be proud of the work they. Nor should they let this passing media feeding-frenzy deter them from continuing to providing the best services possible to the people of Canada.”
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