FREDERICTON New Brunswicks 5,800 hospital workers are taking a strike vote to be counted on Feb. 20.
To try to avoid a costly and difficult strike, CUPE 1252 is asking all MLAs to consider the following facts.
Hospital workers havent had a substantial raise in 10 years. They make less than every other hospital group.
The may have been prepared to accept a conciliation board report. But the government rejected the report.
At least one other health care group has received more than the 1.5% pattern. That group negotiated at least a14.5% increase with a wage adjustment.
Hospital workers may still be willing to accept the conciliation board proposal. But if the government waits until a strike vote is counted, it may be too late.
We believe the members will vote strongly in favour of a strike, said CUPE national representative Danny Bernatchez. If they have to, they can and will launch effective strike action.
Finance Minister Norman Betts can avoid this strike, Bernatchez added. We are prepared to examine a compromise. Our members dont want a strike. They are dedicated to their work in the health care sector. But the clock is ticking.
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Contact: Danny Bernatchez, CUPE National Representative,
(506) 857-2816.