Liberals Call For Independent Mediation In Labour Negotiations

The official Opposition is calling for an independent mediator in the ongoing CUPE New Brunswick labour negotiations.

It comes as strike votes continue for thousands of union members in a wide range of sectors across the province.

“Despite repeated calls from us and from the unions for the Premier to return to the bargaining table, he has chosen to not listen,” interim Liberal leader Roger Melanson said Tuesday.

More than 20,000 workers represented by 10 CUPE locals have been without contracts, some for several years.

Members in seven of those locals have already voted overwhelmingly in favour of strike action. Strike votes are underway or being scheduled for the remaining three unions.

They represent healthcare workers, social workers, correctional officers, court stenographers, probation officers, school bus drivers, school custodians and educational support staff, among others.

“At a minimum, an independent mediator should be appointed immediately and get the parties back to the table in order avert further disruption and a potential strike. I know most workers would prefer to show up for work — not to walk a picket line,” said Melanson.

The union is seeking a 20 per cent wage increase over four years, while the province’s most recent offer included nine per cent over six years.

The Liberals said the government’s offer will not improve New Brunswick’s “dubious standing” at the bottom of public sector wage rankings.

“If the Premier continues with his ‘my way or the highway’ approach the crisis in health care and the emerging crises in the delivery of other public services will only deepen,” said Melanson.