Still no agreement for more than 2,200 general labour and trades workers in New Brunswick.
Talks broke down between CUPE Local 1190 and the provincial government back in early July.
The union represents labourers and tradespeople working in eight different government departments.
President Jonathan Guimond said they remain disappointed with the government’s last contract offer.
“The government’s proposal of percentage-based increases does not reflect the reality or cost of living increase that many of our low-paid workers are struggling with to make ends meet,” Guimond told reporters on Thursday.
The province’s last offer was 12.5 per cent over four years, which it said was in line with a conciliation board’s recommendation.
However, according to Guimond, that assertion is inaccurate. He said the board recommended 11 per cent over three years and a “significant” increase in year four.
Guimond said the province’s offer works out to an average of $3 per hour. The union is seeking a flat $7 per hour increase over three years.
While other unions have accepted similar contracts that the government is offering CUPE Local 1190, Guimond said they are higher wage earners.
That means a 12.5 per cent ends up being a larger dollar value than what his members would see under a similar contract.
“We need flat rate wage increases that will get us the same in-pocket dollar amounts as other groups in order to stay on par with the cost of living,” said Guimond.
Members of CUPE Local 1190 voted 84 per cent in favour of strike action in mid-July, according to the union.
Guimond said they are awaiting a ruling from the New Brunswick Labour and Employment Board over the designation of essential workers.
As workers prepare for possible job action, the local president their end goal is to reach an agreement with the province.
“The Higgs government has the opportunity to call us back to the table prior to the election to offer these workers the wage increase they deserve and need,” said Guimond.
In a statement late Thursday, the government said it respects the collective bargaining process and feels the best way to reach an agreement is at the bargaining table.
“As the employer, government remains open to a return to the table to resume negotiations with CUPE 1190,” said the statement.
It goes on to say that the wage offer is in line with what the conciliation board recommended as a reasonable increase in wages and keeps up with the cost of living.
“Government, like the vast majority of public sector employers, offers percentage increases to all of its 55,343 employees given that all employees experience the same increases in the cost of living,” it said.
“It is important to note that three unions, including one other CUPE local, have ratified contracts with the same general economic wage increases without any flat dollar component.
“Government has offered CUPE 1190, who represent approximately 2,234 members, the same wage increase, but with a flat dollar component. Additionally, government has offered CUPE 1190 additional compensation for recognition and retention of long-time employees. To date, all offers remain unaccepted.”
