CUPE deal doesn't sit well with NAPE

Newfoundland and Labrador's largest public sector union told its membership Tuesday that a "template" deal accepted by a fellow union is creating problems for it and other unions negotiating with the provincial government.

NAPE — the Newfoundland and Labrador Association of Public Employees — said in order to reach the agreement that gave its members a 20 per cent increase over four years, CUPE made concessions.

Premier Danny Williams described the CUPE deal as the template, saying it represented what the other unions could expect because it was what the province could afford.

NAPE president Carol Furlong, however, said Tuesday that just because the deal is fine for CUPE doesn't mean it's fine with NAPE.

"Part of the problem is not what we are trying to negotiate, but rather what the employer is demanding to get the 20 per cent," according to a negotiation update sent to NAPE members via e-mail.

The update, written by NAPE secretary-treasurer Bert Blundon, said one concession that is a "real concern" involves the employer's ability to pay two employees working in the same worksite in the same classification different rates of pay.

"The employer under that agreement has the unfettered right to increase your co-worker's pay and benefits and not yours. It is totally up to the discretion of the employer," the update said.

NAPE is also concerned about implementation dates for a new classification system, and a concession involving termination and benefits for injured workers that NAPE previously took to arbitration and won.

The update said whether union negotiators will be successful in battling back the concessions remains to be seen.

A spokesperson for the provincial Treasury Board says government won't comment while negotiations are ongoing.

About 15,000 NAPE members work for the Newfoundland and Labrador government and its affiliate boards and agencies. CUPE represents 4,200 workers.