Premier Higgs Calls Government Offer ‘Good And Fair’

The premier believes the offer made to CUPE last week is a “really good offer for employees.”

Blaine Higgs said the includes an average of 15 per cent over five years including wage adjustments.

The annual increases are retroactive since many of the contracts have expired.

Higgs said specific amounts will vary based on several different factors but on average, each employee would receive $7,000 in retroactive pay.

He said Thursday’s offer was in its final form which was made clear to CUPE representatives.

“Because that’s what I learned on Friday from speaking to many is that further clarification was needed. We need to ensure all the facts are on the table. So I think that it’s important that is the next step and a vote from the membership. That is what we need to see now,” Higgs said.

Premier Higgs offered to host a town hall to further explain aspects of the current offer.

The premier said he’s heard a lot of misconceptions about a targeted benefit plan or shared risk plan.

Higgs said he’s also heard comments wondering why the MLAs aren’t on this plan.

“I guess it’s important to know that in the case of the shared risk plan, the MLAs have been on it since 2014,” Higgs said.

“We asked the actuaries will get together and they look at the plans for 1253 and 2745 and understand the condition the plans are in and create a path forward that is sustainable. Any path forward would see the plans get fully funded to start the process because right now they are significantly underfunded. While we can argue that taxpayers just should continue to fund whatever is required. It’s not fair and reasonable for taxpayers,” Higgs said.

Government offer includes sustainable pension for all CUPE 2745 and CUPE 1253 employeeshttps://t.co/WphhLibKn5

— Government of NB (@Gov_NB) November 8, 2021