New Brunswick
Province, CUPE set to discuss new offer
Announcement follows talks between union, government that began Thursday
The Canadian Union of Public Employees says the provincial government will offer a new contract Saturday to seven of the 10 locals currently on strike.
"Today the negotiation process is continuing," the union's bargaining team said in a short statement. "Employer representatives will be meeting and presenting an offer to each of the CUPE locals in Parts 1, 2, and 3."
They include locals 1190, 1251, 1252, 1253, 1418, 1840 and 2745.
Thousands of public servants, including school bus drivers, educational support staff and workers in transportation, corrections and the community college system, have been on strike for more than two weeks.
Talks resumed on Thursday.
CUPE spokesperson Simon Ouellette said discussions with the province went until around 1 a.m. Saturday.
While he couldn't elaborate, he did say that since the announcement that's he's feeling much "more optimistic than yesterday."
The discussions between both parties have centred on pensions for two of the CUPE locals. Locals 1253 and 2745 represent about 3,000 school custodians, maintenance workers, bus drivers, school library assistants and administrative support, as well as educational assistants.
"Government made its final offer and is requesting it be presented to the membership for a vote," Erika Jutras, a spokesperson for the Finance and Treasury Board, said in a release Saturday.
"It is government's sincere hope that workers will be back on the job Monday and schools will be open early next week."
Local representing N.B. Liquor employees still bargaining
Talks also continue between CUPE Local 963, which represents workers at N.B. Liquor.
President Jamie Agnew said there will be talks Saturday afternoon.
Employees could strike as soon as Tuesday if there is no agreement.
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