Fredericton, NB, July 19, 2024 – The members of CUPE Local 1190, representing more than 2200 general labour and trades workers in New Brunswick, gave a strong strike mandate of 84% of voters in favour. This decisive result sends a clear message to the employer that workers want a fair deal, and will not accept the weak proposal made by the province to its lowest-paid employees.
Strike votes were conducted on July 17 and 18, in over 21 locations across New Brunswick. The results confirm that the members are united and determined in their stance.
“We have tried to bargain fairly for 20 months, but this government is again pushing workers towards a strike,” said Jonathan Guimond, President of Local 1190 and himself a heavy equipment operator for 20 years.
“We are urging the employer to return to the negotiating table and take workers’ demands seriously. Our goal is to secure a fair deal and improve public services, not to go on strike,” said Guimond. “We are prepared to go back to the bargaining table right away if this government is prepared to make offers in parity dollar amounts with other workers,” he added.
Meanwhile, as per the Public Sector Labour Relations Act (PSLRA), the union will go through the essential services designation process in the next weeks to be in a legal strike position.
Local 1190 will be holding information pickets throughout the province on August 5, 2024. “You will see our members at some of our Provincial Parks, Ferries, and community events. We encourage the public to come out and show their support,” concluded Guimond.
CUPE Local 1190 represents over 2200 general labour and trades workers throughout New Brunswick, working in more than eight departments, with the bulk of the membership employed by the Department of Transportation and Infrastructure and the Department of Tourism, Heritage and Culture (provincial parks). This includes classifications such as machinists, labourers, school bus/truck and equipment mechanics, welders, heavy equipment operators, artisans, healthcare linen/laundry drivers, bridge workers, maintenance workers, provincial ferry operators, NB housing workers, and many more.