N.B. parks, trades workers may go on strike this summer after negotiations reach impasse

More than 2,100 people employed by the province — including labourers, park employees, equipment operators and tradespeople — may go on strike in July, their union announced Wednesday. 

CUPE Local 1190 said the New Brunswick Labour and Employment Board has declared a formal impasse in negotiations between the province and union that began 19 months ago.

"We see a way out of it," Jonathan Guimond, the president of CUPE 1190, said at a news conference. "It is for the employer to come back to the table and make a fair deal for these employees.

"So when the employer recognizes that, and they're willing to come to the table, that's how this gets diverted."

Wages are a major issue for the union, he said. The median wage for a CUPE Local 1190 member is between $20.67 and $33.33 an hour. 

The union had proposed an increase of $7.25 an hour and other benefits by the end of a three-year contract. In an  attempt to avert a job action, Guimond said, the bargaining team proposed a increase of $6 an hour and other benefits over four years.

WATCH | CUPE president describes 'fruitless discussion' between union and province:

Province rejected this proposal, and trades workers now threaten a strike

5 months ago

Duration 1:19

CUPE Local 1190 says general labour and trades workers with the province may walk off the job in July after the government turned down the union's latest contract proposal. The two parties have been negotiating for 19 months.

The province turned it down, and the union filed for a deadlock, he said. 

"We felt this deal was a fair offer for both parties, and we feel that it would address the retention and recruitment and give the members of 1190 the opportunity to have a real living wage," said Guimond. 

The bulk of the CUPE 1190 membership is employed by the Department of Transportation and Infrastructure and the Department of Tourism, Heritage and Culture. 

"Both parties continue to work within the structure set out in the Public Service Labour Relations Act with the goal of arriving at a new collective agreement," government spokesperson Mir Hyder said in an emailed statement. 

"Despite CUPE releasing confidential bargaining information, the Employer will not comment on the specific wage adjustments at this time.We hope to reach a fair agreement for all, and as the bargaining process remains ongoing, we are unable to comment further."  

If the union went on strike, it wouldn't be the first time. In November 2021, after four years of negotiations, CUPE 1190 took to the picket line. 

The threat of a strike in the current round of negotiations is similar to last time, Guimond said. He said he wants to settle a contract in a "rightly manner" to avoid another strike. 

If the deadlock remains, the union will move ahead with strike votes over the next few weeks, he said.

"Enough is enough, this government cannot ignore blue collar workers any longer."