CUPE provincial leaders met with the leaders of the NB NDP, the NB Green Party and the NB Liberal Party at the CUPE Maritimes office in Fredericton. The meetings focused on crucial issues facing workers in New Brunswick, including the need for flat wage increases and repairing the broken labour relations and collective bargaining process.
The meetings were attended by key CUPE leaders, including Sharon Teare, President of the NB Council of Nursing Home Unions; Iris Lloyd of CUPE 1253 (school bus drivers, custodial and maintenance workers); Jonathan Guimond of CUPE 1190 (General Labour and Trades); Norma Robinson, of CUPE 1252, the NB Council of Hospital Unions; Chris Curran of CUPE 1251, Institutional Services and Care; and Theresa McAllister, of CUPE 2745 (Educational Support Staff) CUPE NB President Stephen Drost and CUPE Maritimes Regional Director Sandy Harding. These leaders had productive in-person discussions with Alex White of the NDP, David Coon of the Green Party, and Susan Holt of the Liberal Party. Notably absent was Premier Blaine Higgs, who did not respond to the invitation.
Jonathan Guimond, President of CUPE 1190, emphasized the importance of these discussions in addressing workers’ needs. “Flat wage increases are the fairest way to ensure that all workers, especially those on lower incomes, receive equitable pay raises. When we break it down into real dollars, it’s clear that percentage-based raises disproportionately hurt lower-paid workers, like thousands of CUPE members, ” said Guimond.
As New Brunswick’s biggest union, this also means CUPE represents the biggest proportion of the lowest paid classifications in the NB public service. A month ago, CUPE 1190 members have voted to strike on this very issue. “The need for a fair flat rate is something that, thankfully, all parties in attendance acknowledged,” noted Guimond.
The meetings also highlighted the importance of wage increases that go beyond inflation. “Commitments to real wage increases are essential,” said Norma Robinson, President of the NB Council of Hospital Unions. “Workers need wages that not only keep pace with inflation but also allow them to live with dignity. This is a fundamental issue that CUPE will continue to advocate for as we approach the provincial election on October 21st,” added Robinson.
The discussions were a positive step towards improving labour relations in New Brunswick, a key concern for CUPE members across the province. The participating political leaders expressed understanding and support for the need to fix the broken labour relations and collective bargaining process.
As the provincial election approaches, CUPE will continue to engage with political leaders to ensure that the voices of workers are heard and that their concerns are addressed.