What is CUPE’s position on holding a vote to determine what union will represent us after the change over?
Our position is very clear: the laws of the province must be followed. Yes we have chastised the government when legislation is not followed. In this case, the legislation is also clear, there is an existing collective agreement with a certified bargaining unit. Once the private sector Paramedics are brought into CUPE Local 1252 all Paramedics will become members of the existing bargaining unit. Again the province of New Brunswick has made a decision and the employees will be members of CUPE 1252. In these circumstances, the legislation does not provide for a vote. When there is an expansion of the workforce such as is the case here, employers and unions are bound by the existing collective agreement.
