| Nurses Ratify Agreement by 94.5% |
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Members of the Manitoba Nurses’ Union have ratified their tentative Central Table Agreement. The province wide vote was 94.5% in favour of the contract. The agreement covers approximately 11,000 nurses throughout Manitoba. The agreement calls for a 10% increase over two years – 4.8% effective October 1, 2007 (2.5% general increase and 2.3% market adjustment) and 5.20% (2.5% general increase and 2.7% market adjustment). In addition, effective October 1, 2008, a further increase will be determined by an independent arbitrator to ensure Manitoba nurses are in fourth place in Canada in terms of wages. The agreement also included long service recognition in the form of an extra week of vacation in the 20th year and every five years thereafter, maternity top up, employer paid Disability and Rehab premiums and improved northern retention allowance. The two year agreement expires September 30, 2009. MNU President Maureen Hancharyk said that the bargaining committee is pleased with the strong endorsement of the membership. “It was tough set of negotiations with a positive result. I believe this agreement benefits all Manitobans. It will keep nurses working and attract young people into the profession.” Churchill Nurses Reject.The Churchill Local has rejected the tentative settlement citing application of the northern remoteness retention allowance as their concern. Union representatives will schedule meetings in an effort to rectify the situation. Strike votes will occur if a solution is not found.
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