Thousands more government employees in N.B. have contracts that have expired

Key takeaways:

• New Brunswick’s government may have signed contracts with ten CUPE locals, but it still has about 20 more to deal with.

The government of New Brunswick may have concluded contracts with ten CUPE locals, but it still has roughly 20 more to deal with.

There are groups without contracts in the public service and working in schools, hospitals, and several Crown Corporations, in addition to bus drivers and school maintenance workers and custodians, who voted to reject a tentative agreement this week.

Premier Blaine Higgs indicated earlier this week that the CUPE agreements will “probably break the logjam” and allow things to “go quickly.”

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“Certainly, the nurses will be the next emphasis,” he said.

“We’re hoping to reach an agreement with the nurses.”

According to the premier, the province is attempting to offer healthcare professionals pay competitive with those in other jurisdictions.

To improve working conditions and staff shortages in hospitals, he agreed that things need to be done differently.

Paula Doucet, president of the New Brunswick Nurses Union, declined to comment on the premier’s statements or give an interview or any specifics regarding the progress of the discussions.

In August and October, nurses voted to reject two tentative deals.

Teachers’ contracts have also run out.

Connie Keating, co-president of the New Brunswick Teachers’ Federation, stated they are “currently not at the negotiation table.”

The New Brunswick Union represents ten groups whose contracts have expired.

According to NBU president Susie Proulx-Daigle, they’re in “various phases of discussion.”

Deals have been made but not signed for specialised healthcare workers and professional services for children in the public education system.

“We represent a variety of vocations, and each group has its own set of difficulties and worries,” Proulx-Daigle explained.

“We must adhere to the procedure, and we look forward to returning to the negotiating table as soon as possible.”

According to their organisation, the Professional Institute of the Public Service of Canada, another tentative agreement with Crown prosecutors was ratified last month.

Only 63 of the 80 eligible voters cast ballots. And 42 people voted yes, while 21 voted no.

According to the premier, the three groups mentioned above had agreed to wage hikes totalling 8.5 per cent over five years.

Source: CBC News

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