This week, the Conservative Minority Government colluded with the People’s Alliance to circumvent the free collective bargaining process for nursing home workers in the province.
“The New Brunswick Federation of Labour is pleased that paramedics, represented by CUPE local 4848, will likely see a fair wage increase resulting from the recent announcement of their reclassification,” says Daniel Legere, President of the New Brunswick Federation of Labour (NBFL). “The NBFL is concerned, though, with the fact that the free collective bargaining process was circumvented for nursing home workers, to achieve this change.”
Both paramedics and nursing home workers provide an essential service and deserve to be fairly compensated for their work. The Conservatives and People’s Alliance have found a way to provide paramedics with hope for a fair wage. At the same time, with the passing of Bill 17, nursing home workers will be denied the opportunity for a similar fair wage increase.
“This coalition government is trying to pit worker against worker and union and against union,” says Legere; “This tactic will not work. New Brunswickers expect their government to treat everyone fairly.”
The New Brunswick Federation of Labour is calling on the Conservative-People’s Alliance Coalition Government to give all New Brunswickers the opportunity to achieve fair wage increases without legislative interference.
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For additional information, please contact
Daniel Legere
President
New Brunswick Federation of Labour
(506) 381-8969 (cell)