N.B. Resource Services members ratify new agreement

'The settlement provides a new benchmark for wage settlements for civil service employees'.
- Tom Mann

Fredericton (10 May 2006) - Resource Services members of the New Brunswick Union of Public and Private Employees (NBUPPE//NUPGE) have ratified a new collective agreement, ending a long and challenging negotiation process.

In February the bargaining unit voted 77% in favour of a strike. A tentative agreement was finally achieved this month.

"The decision by the Resource Services membership in favour of a strike sent a strong message to the government that their last offer was unacceptable," says union spokesman Tom Mann.

"Two years was a long time to go without an agreement but our members were patient. Their commitment was to the full bargaining process."

The new agreement achieves fairness when wage increases and working conditions are equivalent between various groups working for the government. Resource Services members understood their value and utilized the full bargaining process – which included a strike vote and rejection of the conciliation board report – before reaching a deal.

The unit has 245 members, including forest rangers, agricultural technicians and parks officers. The new agreement expires in January 2009.

"The Resource Services settlement provides a new benchmark for wage settlements for civil service employees,” says Mann.

"The New Brunswick Union is currently at the negotiation table with five other civil service bargaining units representing 4,000 New Brunswickers. We are pleased Resource Services ended on a positive note." NUPGE