Fredericton, NB – A New Brunswick court has upheld a labour board decision ordering the province to reverse layoffs of school library workers and restore hours for administrative assistants in three school districts.

The ruling comes after CUPE Local 2745 filed a complaint, arguing the province violated its duty to bargain in good faith by failing to disclose plans that directly impacted negotiations. The Labour and Employment Board agreed, stating the province must rescind layoff notices and stop making changes until bargaining concludes.

The province tried to delay the ruling through a court stay, but the court rejected the request, meaning the order remains in effect.

Over 60 CUPE members were affected, mainly in Anglophone West, Anglophone South, and Francophone South districts. CUPE and education advocates say the cuts disproportionately impact rural schools and student access to resources. Meanwhile, the government argues that library roles are not central to classroom learning.

The legal fight continues as the province seeks a judicial review, but for now, the labour board’s decision stands.