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FREDERICTON, NB – More than three years after commencing proceedings to obtain rights for casual workers in New Brunswick, CUPE has its day in Court.

The Canadian Union of Public Employees New Brunswick (CUPE NB), the New Brunswick Union, and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 37, launched this case after the provincial government refused to change the law.

We spent many months gathering information and testimonies from casual workers, which have been working for the government for years without getting any rights such as same wages, benefits and pension”, explained Daniel Légère. CUPE NB President.

Under the New Brunswick Public Service Labour Relations Act, casuals in the public service are not defined as employees. Although many carry almost a full workload or have been working in the public service for years, they do not enjoy the same rights and protection as other government employees.

In the spring of 2001, the United Nations International Labour Organization (ILO) ruled that the government of New Brunswick was violating international labour provisions regarding the right of casual workers”, explained Légère.

Since then, we have unsuccessfully tried to convince the government to recognize these workers. We’ve got workplaces with two types of workers working side-by-side”, said Légère.

Justice Paulette Garnett of the Court of Queen’s Bench in Fredericton has 90 days to render her decision.

For more information

Daniel Légère
President CUPE NB
(506) 869-0424