Union in N.B. calls on government for fair wage [Video]

The union that represents over 2,200 general labour and trades professionals in New Brunswick’s public service sector held a press conference in Moncton on Thursday to address recent comments the Higgs government made on the living wage.

CUPE Local 1190 is currently at an impasse in negotiations with the province over wage increases.

Union president Jonathan Guimond spoke out against comments a member of Premier Blaine Higgs’ administration recently made to a media outlet, claiming the province’s offer of a 12.5 per cent wage increase was fair and in line with the recommendations of a coalition board.

The union strongly disagrees.

“We’re not talking about having a better job to get luxury items. We’re talking about the necessities,” said Guimond. “If you can agree that somebody needs twelve, fifteen thousand dollars a year to combat that inflation, or that cost of living, then how do you offer someone less than that and do the same thing?”

Guimond …