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FREDERICTON – The Canadian Union of Public Employee – New Brunswick (CUPE NB) is calling on the leaders of the political parties to include labour issues in their electoral platform.

More than 90,000 persons are covered under a Collective Agreement in this province. The labour vote is an important vote that should not be ignored by the political parties,” said Daniel Légère, President of CUPE NB.

We asked the leaders of the three parties to state their position on eight issues that are affecting the Labour Movement:

  • Casual Rights
  • First Contract Arbitration
  • Pay Equity
  • Childcare
  • Improvement of the Public Service Superannuation Act
  • Independent review of the WHSCC
  • Expedient grievance and arbitration process
  • Length of the negotiation process

“We are very disappointed by the lack of commitment from the leaders of the liberal and conservative parties. Only the leader of the New Democratic Party stated some real engagement toward the labour organization,” said Légère.

Their answers are vague and non-committal. On most of the issues, they promise to look in to it. These are not satisfying answers for the working families of this province. Pay Equity should be mandatory for the public and the private sector. Families should have access to childcare at a reasonable cost. Arbitration rule should be in place so that workers who joint a Union could negotiate a first Collective Agreement without the fear of losing their job! The abuse of casual workers in the Government is still happening and we are trying to have their rights recognized through court action,“ explained Légère.

On this Labour Day weekend, the political leaders should put workers’ issues at the forefront of this election campaign,” concluded Légère.

For more information, Daniel Légère, President, CUPE NB 506-869-0424