Delegates to CUPE New Brunswick’s annual convention applauded calls for more political action and demands for improved public services.
More than 250 delegates and guests were at the convention.
Delegates also said CUPE members in New Brunswick will fight privatization of services.
And leaders responded: ¨We are pushing back against the domino effect of mill closures and increased privatization, ¨said Danny Légère, CUPE New Brunswick president.
Paul Moist – who had just met with New Brunswick premier Shawn Graham, as well as Fredericton Mayor Brad Woodside and St. John Mayor Norm MacFarlane – told delegates he had urged the politicians to look at CUPE’s evidence on P3s.
¨We will continue to speak out and to say what we know about the harmful effects of privatization and corporate greed on the well being of our communities,’ said Moist.Among many resolutions were several demanding that the provincial Liberals live up to their child care and pay equity promises, passionately debated following presentations by Jody Dallaire and Johanne Perron respectively.
National Secretary-Treasurer Claude Généreux reported on CUPE’s finances and announced future office expansions in the province.
Delegates also offered generous moral and financial support to locked-out Journal de Québec workers on a cross Canada tour. Contributions resulted in a $33,000 contribution to the support fund.
A final highlight of the CUPE New Brunswick convention was a celebration for the newest member of CUPE New Brunswick, Jack Harding – the fifth child born to CUPE New Brunswick VP, Sandy Harding.
The delegates gave Jack a rousing welcome and party while Sandy thanked the delegates.”We all know it takes a community to raise a child and I am thankful to have this CUPE community behind my children.”