Creation of New Bargaining Unit Marks the End of Decades of Discrimination Against Public Service Nurses

OTTAWA, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - June 23, 2011) - The establishment of a new sub-group within the Health Services (SH) Occupational Group at long last brings to a close three decades of discrimination against some 450 nurses who determine Canadians' eligibility for Canada Pension Plan benefits, according to the Professional Institute of the Public Service of Canada (PIPSC).

The creation of the NU-EMA sub-group will finally reflect the critical medical adjudication work performed by these PIPSC members, and follows a 2010 Federal Court decision confirming a 2007 Canadian Human Rights Tribunal ruling that required the federal government to address longstanding complaints on their part. For many years, these public service professionals, most of them female, performed duties similar to those of their colleagues, predominantly male doctors, yet were deprived of professional recognition and remuneration commensurate with their qualifications.

"The Treasury Board has certainly taken its time to properly recognize the value of these nurses" said Gary Corbett, President of the Institute. "What should have been a straightforward case of providing equal treatment for these health professionals certainly turned into a long and drawn-out process. Fortunately, the formation of the NU-EMA sub-group is a first step in eliminating this double-standard and formally entrenches the invaluable contribution of these nurses, our members, to the collective and individual well-being of Canadians. Finally we will be able to negotiate appropriate wages, compensation and benefits for these nurses".

The Professional Institute of the Public Service of Canada represents some 59,000 professionals across Canada's public sector, including approximately 2000 nurses.