Arbitrator appointed in Nova Scotia health merger

James Dorsey chosen to resolve difficulties resulting from Bill 1

James Dorsey Q.C. was named as the arbitrator to resolve difficulties resulting from the implementation of Bill 1 in Nova Scotia.

Dorsey was recommended by Unifor, CUPE, NSNU and NSGEU — and accepted by the employer, the Health Authorities of Nova Scotia — to mediate the bill’s impact on health care workers, their union representation and their collective agreements.

“It was essential that we have an arbitrator with the kind of experience that Mr. Dorsey brings to the table,” said Lana Payne, Unifor’s Atlantic regional director.

Dorsey, an arbitrator for 37 years, has dealt with matters of health care restructuring in both British Columbia and Saskatchewan.

“The fact that we were able to reach a swift agreement with the employer over the selection of an arbitrator is proof that the unions and Health Authorities Nova Scotia can work together, even though we take the position and will continue to take the position that Bill 1 is unconstitutional and a violation of our members Charter rights,” Payne said.

Initial meetings with the arbitrator, the employer and the unions are scheduled for October 17 and 18 in Halifax.

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