The International Labour Organization has upheld a complaint by CUPE that casual workers in the New Brunswick public service should have the right to join unions.
Speaking at the New Brunswick Division Convention in Fredericton April 6, National President Judy Darcy called on the Lord government to respect the ruling.
The government has an obligation to give these workers the same rights and protections as all other employees, said Darcy. Its time to put an end to a system that pits worker against worker and its time for casuals to come into the union.
In New Brunswick, most part-time and temporary workers in the public service are not defined as employees. Even though many carry almost a full-time load or have been working in the public service for years, they do not have the right to unionize and be covered by a collective agreement.
These casuals work side by side with our members, performing the same work, but they have very different terms and conditions of employment, said division president Susan Barton. Theyre generally paid much less and have very little job protection. CUPE calls this discrimination and in its decision, so does the ILO.
This is a basic issue of fairness and respect for all working people and their families. CUPE New Brunswick can be very proud of having shown real leadership in taking on this fight on behalf of all workers in the province, added Darcy.