The ratification vote was almost 70 per cent in favour of a collective agreement between the provincial government and the SGEU. The contract includes no wage increase for the first 2 years, then 1 per cent and 3 years at 2 per cent, covering a 6 year term from October 1st of 2016 to September 30th of 2022.

Minister responsible for the Public Service Commission, Ken Cheveldayoff says he is pleased with both parties’ commitment and co-operation in working to reach a new collective agreement. The SGEU represents over 10-thousand employees from government ministries.

Acting Chair of the Negotiating Committee for SGEU, Lori Bossaer, says they will now work with the government to finalize and sign the agreement. Information about retroactive pay and other details will be provided to members when they become available. Bossaer comments that it was a lengthy negotiation process, and thanks the members for their support and input.