In 2021, 22,000 CUPE New Brunswick public service workers launched a strike that reverberated across the country. Workers from multiple sectors united to demand fair wages after years of crushing provincial austerity. Their determination led to significant gains, including 15-17% wage increases and full pay for casual workers.
Their story is captured in the bilingual documentary Bargaining Forward, which was screened at the Canadian Labour International Film Festival and the Workers Unite! Film Festival in New York City.
Featuring interviews with CUPE members and staff, the film explores how New Brunswick’s coordinated bargaining strategy resulted in victory and ignited major labour actions across Canada.
The New York screening in October 2024 brought CUPE New Brunswick members together with labour activists from around the world. During a post-screening discussion, the audience burst into applause as CUPE participants announced the ouster of New Brunswick’s anti-worker conservative government during the provincial election, and shared updates on ongoing coordinated bargaining efforts.
In May 2025, Bargaining Forward will also be featured at the 20th International Labour Film Festival in Turkey, a key event in the fight for human rights.
The far-reaching impact of the New Brunswick strike highlights how the courage of one group of workers can empower others. These screenings will continue to amplify CUPE members’ story for broader audiences and will harness the power of our solidarity to strengthen global movements for workers’ rights.
Watch the documentary: cupe.ca/bargaining-forward
Read the book: cupe.ca/read-book-bargaining-forward
