Premier Higgs Fails to Reach Agreement with Labour Union

“We have demonstrated our commitment to working with CUPE bargaining units to reach a fair deal,” said Premier Blaine Higgs at a press conference in Fredericton on Wednesday, October 27, 2021 after failing to reach an agreement on Tuesday evening with the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE). “If our schools and our health-care system are targeted by strikes, this will cause pain and harm the safety and security of New Brunswickers. We are prepared to take necessary action, possibly including legislation, to keep New Brunswickers safe and healthy with access to essential services, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic.”

CUPE is asking for an annual wage increases of three per cent over a four-year period and has threatened to take strike action if the province doesn't meet these demands. Premier Higgs says the government is willing to offer wage increases of 8.5 per cent over a five-year period with the total cost to the province coming in at about $55 million annually, with an additional $8 million for casual workers. The offer would also include raising the salary for casuals to be 100 per cent of the salary paid to permanent staff; sustainable pension plans for existing plans that were in jeopardy; and the opportunity for workers who have not previously qualified, to participate in a pension plan.

“We need to find a balance that benefits all New Brunswickers,” said Higgs. “These are fair and reasonable increases and they demonstrate the province’s commitment to its workers. As we navigate the remainder of this pandemic, we will continue to be prudent with taxpayers’ money as we build towards a brighter future.”