On behalf of the NB Federation of Labour (NBFL) and our 35,000 affiliates, it is my pleasure to wish all New Brunswickers a Happy Labour Day! I want to thank the working women and men of our province who devote their time, energy and talents to make New Brunswick a better place to live and raise a family. Working women and men are the ones who drive the social and economic engines of our province and communities. ‘Without their brain and muscle not a single wheel can turn’.
It is all too easy to take for granted the role that labour unions have and continue to play in improving all our working lives. Labour Day is much more than a day off. It is a day to reflect and celebrate the important role that workers play in shaping the economy and the social fabric of our communities and our province. It is also a day to reflect on the gains made over the years and the work that remains to be done.
In the year ahead, the NBFL will continue to lobby the provincial government the make progressive changes that will improve the lives of workers. Here are a few examples of how the government can put workers first. It can improve health, safety and compensation laws, programs and services. It can properly fund and maintain ownership and control over public services and infrastructure. The government can revise the Employment Standards and Civil Service Acts to improve basic labour standards for the province’s most vulnerable workers. We also need to address violence and bullying in the workplace.
In October, we will be heading to the polls to vote for our next Federal government. I encourage all New Brunswickers to make sure their voices are counted by making sure that they get out to vote. It is important that the electoral candidates reflect the values and issues of working families and are prepared to talk about the important issues such as universal pharmacare for all, climate change, pension protection, good jobs, and affordable accessible child care for all.
I encourage all workers and their families to come out and celebrate Labour Day in their communities. Events are happening throughout the province as follows:
Bathurst: September 2. Parade starts at 1 pm, BBQ and speeches to follow. Coronation Park on Monroe Street in Bathurst. For information, contact John Gagnon at (506) 545-0651.
Dalhousie: August 31 to September 2. Softball tournament on August 31 and September 1 at Inch Arran Park in Dalhousie. On September 2, parade starts at 11 am at Fire Hall, followed by BBQ at Rotary Park. For information, contact Brian Arseneault at (506) 686-4050.
Edmundston: August 31. 11 am to 5 pm. Hot dog roast from 11 am to 1 pm and inflatable games for kids. 239 Principal Street St Basile NB. For information, contact Lorn Martin (506) 737-7063.
Moncton: September 1. 12 noon to 3 pm. BBQ, live music & games. Centennial Park in Moncton. For information, contact Janice Melanson at (506) 530-4478.
Saint John: September 2. Parade starts at 12 noon at Fire Fighters’ Hall, followed by BBQ at Fisher Lakes. For information, contact Chris Watson at (506) 663-9123.
Tracadie-Sheila: September 2. Solidarity march starts at 1 pm at Jean-Coutu parking lot on Principale Street and ends at the Canadian Tire gas station (Snowball Bridge). For information, contact Anne-Renée Thomas at (506) 888-6551.
In closing I want to wish all workers and their families in New Brunswick a happy and safe Labour Day!
In Solidarity!
Daniel Legere, President
New Brunswick Federation of Labour
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For information, please contact:
Daniel Legere, President
New Brunswick Federation of Labour
(506) 857-2125 (work) / (506) 381-8969 (cell)