Celebrating Labour Day: Together for Fairness, Prosperity, and Strong Communities

Dear CUPE Members and Fellow Citizens of New Brunswick,

Happy Labour Day! On this special day, as we take a moment to celebrate the achievements of workers and the significant contributions they have made to our great province, we also come together with a renewed spirit of unity and hope for a brighter future.

Labour Day is more than just a day off; it’s a tribute to the resilience, dedication, and hard work that each one of you brings to your roles every single day. As President of CUPE NB, I stand here with immense pride, recognizing the pivotal role that our union members play in shaping New Brunswick’s landscape. Together, we have fought for safer workplaces, better wages, improved benefits, and a stronger voice for workers’ rights. Our collective efforts have truly made a positive impact on the lives of so many.

While we celebrate our achievements, it’s essential to acknowledge that our province is growing, but the rewards of this growth are not being fairly shared. We see big businesses benefiting from tax cuts while hardworking individuals continue to struggle. The rising cost of living, housing challenges, and the imperative need for better resource management and planning are issues that touch the lives of us all. As we enjoy of Labour Day, let us also reflect on how we can stand united to address these challenges head-on.

Our province’s progress should be felt by every citizen, every worker, and every family. By working together, advocating for fair wages, better working conditions, and sustainable policies, we can ensure that New Brunswick becomes a place where everyone reaps the benefits of our collective efforts.

This Labour Day, I invite each and every one of you to participate in the various labour events taking place across the province.

Let’s join hands to celebrate our achievements, rekindle our commitment to workers’ rights, and embrace the power of unity in creating positive change. By standing shoulder to shoulder, we send a strong message that New Brunswick’s growth should uplift all its residents, without leaving anyone behind.

Once again, Happy Labour Day! Let’s continue to be the driving force for positive change in our province.

In Solidarity,

Stephen Drost President, CUPE NB


LABOUR DAY EVENTS IN NB

Bathurst & District Labour Council
Coronation Park Munroe Street Bathurst, NB
September 4, 2023, Parade starts at 1:00 p.m., BBQ and speeches will follow.
Contact: John Gagnon gagnonnjohn@yahoo.com, 506-545-0651

Edmundston District Labour Council
239 Principale Street Saint Basile, NB
September 4, 2023, 11:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Contact: Lorn Martin lornm5@gmail.com, 506-737-7063

Moncton & District Labour Council
Centennial Park Moncton, NB
September 3, 2023, 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Contact: Melissa Brown melandjade@hotmail.com, 506-872-4643

Saint John & District Labour Council
Parade starts at Old Court House on King St. East
Fire Fighter’s Hall & Fisher Lakes, Saint John, NB
September 4, 2023, 11:30 a.m.
Contact: Shawn Wetmore shawnwet@hotmail.com, 506-693-9347

Dalhousie: Organized by CUPE & Restigouche District Labour Council
Softball Tournament, Car Show, Parade and BBQ
Inch Arran Park, Dalhousie, NB
September 1 to 4, 2023:

Friday, September 1 – music in the park
Saturday, September 2 – youth ball hockey tournament, music in the park
Sunday, September 3 – lob ball tournament, free swim at Recreaplex
Monday, September 4 – Labour Day Parade, car show, free hot dogs, corn, popcorn, cotton candy, chips, pop, juice boxes, prize bags, face painting, bouncy castle, little train rides, rides on an antique fire truck, free swim at Recreaplex and magic show. For adults, there will be entertainment at the NBIP from 2:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Contact: Brian Arseneault arsefourteen@gmail.com, 506-686-4050