February 10, 2009

For immediate release:

Members of the Association of Allied Health Professionals have voted to accept the collective agreement reached by their negotiating committee just prior to Christmas.  AAHP  represents approximately 740 health professionals in the public health care system in Newfoundland and Labrador.  Sixty-nine percent of the membership returned their mail-in ballot.  The union does not release the actual percentages of acceptance or rejection.  However, Sharon King, Chief Negotiator for the Union stated that “it was accepted by a significant number of those who voted”.

The collective agreement is the “template” government has offered to all public sector unions, which includes the salary increases of 8 – 4 – 4 – 4 % in each four years starting (retroactive) to July 1, 2008.  The contract will expire June 30, 2012.  The union also achieved some improved language and increases in some benefits such as shift differential and standby pay.

“Government officials have been notified of the result of the ratification vote” says King, “the next step is to get the agreement signed and the increases into the hands of our members as soon as possible.”