The Gallant government’s decision to take binding arbitration changes off the table is disappointing for the city according to mayor Mel Norton, who says their position is consistent with the Cities of NB Association.
Norton says over the last decade protective services wages have risen by about 50-percent in Saint John and other cities in the province. He also notes that wages for protective services rise about two to four times faster than other employees in the city.
“The rapid increase in protective services wages threatens the ongoing financial viability and sustainability of cities across the province,” says Norton.
The mayor says as an association they will continue to work with government to put a system in place for negotiating collective agreements with protective services.
