Higgs government’s controversial Bill 23 infringes on workers’ rights, says labour leader

By Arun Budhathoki, NB Media Co-op

December 10, 2022

FREDERICTON / UNCEDED WOLASTOQIYIK TERRITORY – The Higgs government’s decision to introduce the controversial Bill 23 last month is a watershed moment for workers’ rights in New Brunswick, according to union leaders.

Bill 23 is a set of amendments to the Public Service Labour Relations Act, with clauses curtailing labour rights. 

It was introduced by Post-secondary, Training and Labour Minister Trevor Holder without holding consultations with concerned parties, and passed second reading on Tuesday, December 6.

“Bill 23 is a piece of legislation that affects the terms and conditions around collective bargaining and, more specifically when it comes to strikes or lockouts,” said Daniel Légère, president of the New Brunswick Federation of Labour, in an interview with the NB Media Co-op.

Légère said that the Higgs government’s intention to pass the bill infringes on workers’ rights and “tips the balance of power towards the government.”

This week, the government enacted a motion to limit debate on several bills, including Bill 23. 

Unifor, Canada’s largest private sector union, issued an open letter to Premier Blaine Higgs on Thursday, December 8 expressing concerns about the bill.

“We see Bill-23 as an attack on all workers in the province of New Brunswick – in both the public and private sector – and Unifor and our allies respectfully demand that your government withdraw the proposed legislation immediately.”

“New Brunswickers are facing a series of escalating crises: our health care system is on the verge of collapse, our education system is struggling, and the spiralling cost of living is making it almost impossible for working families to make ends meet.”

In an emailed statement to the NB Media Co-op, a spokesperson for the Department of Post-Secondary Education, Training and Labour said: “the Provincial Government has introduced amendments to the Public Service Labour Relations Act that are intended to ensure services that are essential for the health, safety, and security of New Brunswickers are maintained during labour disputes.” 

The spokesperson also said that the “changes will clarify the rules of engagement between the employer and bargaining agents during the collective bargaining process while respecting the balance between employer’s obligations and employees’ rights.”

The government is expected to pass the bill in the coming days.

Arun Budhathoki is a video-journalist with the NB Media Co-op. This project has been made possible in part by the Government of Canada, administered by the Canadian Association of Community Television Stations and Users (CACTUS).