March 5, 2002 (Fredericton) – The Canadian Union of Public Employees held a news conference today to celebrate the work of the more than 6,000 Unsung Heroes who work in hospitals across New Brunswick. They also delivered a message to Premier Lord and his government – Bill 30 has not been forgotten.
“It’s been exactly a year since we the Lord government passed back to work legislation after our two day strike,” said Danny Bernatchez, Coordinator of the New Brunswick Council of Hospital Unions (CUPE Local 1252). “This year, and every year from now on, hospital workers, along with our families and friends, will celebrate Unsung Heroes Day on March 5.”
The Unsung Heroes do a wide range of jobs – from Registered Nursing Assistant, to Laundry Worker, to Maintenance Worker to Emergency Medical Technician and much more. Their work is often invisible, yet without them, New Brunswick’s hospitals would cease to function. Their wages are the lowest, by far, in the hospital sector.
“Our members have not forgotten how they have been treated by Premier Lord,” said Bernatchez. “Today, the Unsung Heroes call on all the people of New Brunswick to send a resounding message to the Lord Government. During the next election, let’s work together to defeat the Tories.”
CUPE members organized a wide range of activities in hospitals across the province, in honour of Unsung Heroes Day.
“The Unsung Heroes, and all workers in New Brunswick, deserve respect - in the workplace, and at the bargaining table,” concluded Bernatchez.
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For more information: Laurie Kingston, CUPE Communications, 613-266-1415 (cell) or 506-455-1430 (Fredericton Inn).