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Arbitration planned P.E.I. for 1,200 health employees

'The major stumbling blocks are wages and recruitment and retention.' - Shelley Ward.

Shelley Ward, president of the P.E.I. Union of Public Sector Employees (PEIUPSE/NUPGE)Charlottetown (17 March 2010) - Negotiations affecting 1,250 members of Prince Edward Island's department of health are headed for arbitration.

The P.E.I. Union of Public Sector Employees (PEIUPSE/NUPGE) says arbitration became necessary after the talks, which began nearly a year ago, broke down "leaving mostly monetary issues on the table."

The impasse went to legal conciliation earlier this month without any resolution of outstanding issues, says PEIUPSE president Shelley Ward.

"We are now seeking final and binding arbitration to settle the health collective agreement. The major stumbling blocks are wages, recruitment and retention,” says Ward.

The employees, who have been without a contract since March 31 last year, include licensed practical nurses, resident care workers and other professional job categories.

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