Government Pleased With Result of Health Labour Arbitration Decision

Arbitrator James Dorsey's decision meets the province's goals and supports the creation of a unified health-care authority on April 1.

"We are happy with this decision. It creates four bargaining units and ensures that all nurses can be represented by one union," said Health and Wellness Minister Leo Glavine.

"We still need some clarity around how the new unions will be created. We respect Mr. Dorsey's decision, and it will help us to move forward with the changes Nova Scotians need to see in their health-care system."

Starting April 1:

• registered nurses will be represented by a single union, which could also include licensed practical nurses. The Nova Scotia Nurses' Union represents the majority of nurses now working at the IWK Health Centre and the district health authorities
• clerical workers, such as admission clerks, will be represented by the union. Currently, the NSGEU represents most clerical workers. The arbitrator will determine which union will represent this group in February
• health-care workers, such as lab technologists, psychologists or physiotherapists, and support workers, such as maintenance and housekeeping staff, could be represented by two separate unions. These unions would be formed by an amalgamation of the unions that now represent them.

Wages, seniority, vacation and retirement benefits will not change as a result of the Health Authorities Act. The current collective agreements will remain in place until new ones are negotiated.

"Mr. Dorsey has provided some specific solutions in some cases, and in others there is more work to be done. We will work together with the unions to ensure a smooth transition for our health-care workers starting April 1," said Pat Lee, co-lead of the health system transition team and CEO of the Pictou County Health Authority.

"Patients can be assured they will continue to receive excellent quality health care. Our staff are dedicated professionals, and we know they will continue to make patient care their primary focus."

Mr. Dorsey's full decision can be found here: http://novascotia.ca/dhw/PeopleCentredHealthCare/