Nova Scotia and the Nova Scotia Government and General Employees Union have reached a new collective agreement through binding arbitration, the province announced Tuesday.
Arbitrator Karen Hollett called both parties back to the bargaining table and issued a binding order that resulted in the new agreement, according to a joint statement from Twila Grosse, Minister of the Public Service Commission, and Sandra Mullen, NSGEU President.
Details under review by both sides
Both the province and union are reviewing the arbitration order’s details and will release more information once that work is complete, the statement said.
The agreement affects thousands of Nova Scotia government employees represented by NSGEU, one of the province’s largest public sector unions.
“Both parties appreciate the work of the arbitrator as well as the dedication and collaboration of our respective bargaining committees in bringing this matter to conclusion,” the joint statement said.
Commitment to continued collaboration
The province and NSGEU said they will continue working together to deliver programs and services to Nova Scotians.
The arbitration process was used after previous bargaining rounds failed to produce an agreement between the two parties. Binding arbitration means both sides must accept the arbitrator’s decision.
Further details about wage increases, benefit changes and contract duration are expected once both parties complete their review of the arbitration order.
