Meetings begin for ETA in Newfoundland & Labrador

The development of an Employee Transfer Agreement (ETA) is now the focus for CEIU following the September 5 signing of a Labour Market Development Agreement (LMDA) between Canada and Newfoundland & Labrador. The ETA will spell out the transfer terms for members moving to the provincial government and talks are now underway between the union and the government.

A meeting October 9 established the terms of reference for the ETA discussions and saw the initial exchange of comparison templates. The federal and provincial collective agreements and pension schemes are being carefully compared to ensure that transferring members enjoy the most favourable terms possible. A second meeting on October 24 reviewed collective agreement and pension issues more closely and discussed ETA timelines.

According to CEIU National Vice-President Denise Richey, the talks have gone well so far. “We have been joined at the table by PSAC staff officers James Infantino (pensions) and Howie West (work reorganization) and they have been a solid asset for us.” The PSAC has produced a question and answer document for members in the region as well as a useful publication on retirement from the public service. Members with questions are invited to contact NVP Richey ( denisebest@nl.rogers.com) directly for assistance.

The union and employer meet again on November 6.