Tentative agreements reached with two health sector bargaining units

FREDERICTON (GNB) - The provincial government has reached tentative collective agreements with two bargaining units - specialized health-care professionals and professional support - represented by the New Brunswick Union.

"The tentative agreements were reached following a respectful and collaborative round of bargaining," said Premier Blaine Higgs. "On behalf of the province, I thank both negotiating teams. We look forward to continuing to work with the New Brunswick Union on issues of mutual concern in the coming years."

"We are pleased to have reached a tentative deal with government," said New Brunswick Union President Susie Proulx-Daigle. "The bargaining teams have done a lot of hard work to get here and now it will be up to the members to have their say through a ratification vote."

The specialized health-care professionals group includes more than 1,400 pharmacists, psychologists, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, social workers, audiologists, dietitians and other health-care occupations working in the regional health authorities.

The professional support group includes about 250 school psychologists, social workers, speech language pathologists, behaviour intervention mentors and other occupations working in the school districts.

The parties have agreed to withhold details of the agreements pending their ratification.