Smaller number of agreements for fewer employees will be expiring
2009 is shaping up to be a slower year for labour relations in the public sector with fewer than 100 collective agreements of 500 employees and over coming up for renegotiation. That contrasts with well over 200 in 2008. These contracts will cover approximately 200,000 employees in total, down from roughly 600,000 last year. However, several large agreements in healthcare may provide fireworks.