ADJUSTMENT MADE TO WORKFORCE RENEWAL PROGRAM

An adjustment has been made to the Workforce Renewal Plan to accommodate concerns raised by the province’s public sector unions.

The changes will be made in response to discussions between the unions and government.

The deadline for applications for the program has been extended to April 15 and employees will now be given the option to revoke their application without penalty up to April 25, 2005. This will give employees more time to weigh their options before making a final decision.

“The Premier met with the unions and they expressed some concerns about the Workforce Renewal Program. This change reflects those concerns, “ said Acting Premier Mitch Murphy. “This will give employees more time to assess their options and will make them more comfortable with the program.”

The Workforce Renewal Program offers employees incentives to leave government voluntarily through early retirement or voluntary severance opportunities.