The PEINU Negotiations Committee and Health PEI reached a tentative agreement through conciliation on Monday, March 9th. Detailed information packages will be mailed to the membership shortly. Packages will also contain ballots and postage paid envelopes for the ratification vote. The PEINU Negotiations Committee will be presenting details at two (2) information meetings – the details on the dates/locations/times will be provided on the website and in blast emails to the membership in the next few days.
The following are the highlights of the tentative agreement:
Four (4) year contract with wage increase of of 9.9 % compounded by the end of the contract. Members will receive a 1.5% (.75% effective April 1 and .75% effective October 1) retroactive wage increase for 2014. Following that, the wage increases will occur as follows:
1% on April 1, 2015;
1% on October 1, 2015;
2% on April 1, 2016;
2% on October 1, 2016;
1% on April 1, 2017;
1% on October 1, 2017
- RNs in permanent positions with a minimum of 25 years in nursing who apply for and qualify for the Senior Nurse wage rate will now receive the amount as an hourly wage – as opposed to the previous 3% premium that was not pensionable;
- Standby pay will increase from $2.50 to $3.00 per hour;
- Education Fund will increase from $300,000 annually to $350,000 annually for the term of the agreement;
- Articles 21.10, 23.5, 23.8 will now provide O/T compensation for less than 48hrs notice to the employee. Previously O/T only occurred with less than 24 hrs notice;
- If an Employee is requested to work on New Years Day without 48 hrs notice, compensation will be at triple time. Previously was only Xmas Day, article 23.5(b);
- Part-time RNs who do not wish to work extra shifts, but do so at the request of Employer with less than 48 hours notice, shall now have the option of banking TIL time for the shift, article 21.2;
- Maintaining the “NO Layoff” language which ensures there will be no layoffs for the life of the agreement.
The above highlights are a summary of the most significant changes to the collective agreement. The Union was able to maintain all significant benefits/provisions within the agreement and also achieved contract language improvements that will be explained in detail in next week’s mailout. Any questions may be directed to the Provincial Office either at office@peinu.com OR to 892-7152 OR to Local Presidents.