This is an archive of news stories and research from the National Union of Public and General Employees. Please see our new site - https://nupge.ca - for the most current information.
NBU/NUPGE demands evidence that savings will be realized or services improved by amalgamating Service New Brunswick, the NB Internal Services Agency, the Department of Government Services, and FacilicorpNB.
Fredericton (22 June 2015) — Recently, the provincial government announced the creation of a new crown corporation that will be enormous in both size and scope.
The new corporation will encompass the functions of Service New Brunswick, the NB Internal Services Agency, the Department of Government Services and FacilicorpNB. A government news release estimates the savings from the new crown corporation to be $30 million by 2020, while media reports have it pegged at $42 million by 2020-21. What's missing is an accurate picture of how those numbers will be achieved — apart from job losses.
270 jobs to be lost
The new corporation will result in 270 job losses, with approximately 60 per cent achieved through attrition. This is where the hard facts stop in terms of savings. The news release states, "Savings will be achieved primarily through the modernization of technology, automated systems and business processes and strategic procurement."
No documents have been released showing how the savings will be specifically achieved and there's no mention of the cost of consolidating services.
Privatization seeping in
Another concern is the set up. Earlier this year, the provincial government announced it would privatize cleaning and food delivery services in hospitals. Under the new structure, it appears the employees would be on the payroll of the health authorities, but would be managed by a private company.
A confusing situation and one that is compounded when viewed through the prism of the goals of both the public and private sector. On the public side, the goal is to deliver the best possible service to New Brunswick taxpayers. On the private side, the primary goal is profit, not service delivery. The two are at odds.
What's needed is meaningful consultation with employees
The New Brunswick Union is not opposed to change. The NBU understands the fiscal situation facing the province. What is lacking is consultation with employees doing the work. Why not ask for their opinions before making radical shifts in how government operates?
If New Brunswick is to move forward cohesively as a province, government needs employees and citizens to buy into their ideas. Part of that is to implement the ideas put forth by New Brunswickers. You get those ideas by consulting front-line workers on how to improve service delivery.
NUPGE
The National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE) is one of Canada's largest labour organizations with over 360,000 members. Our mission is to improve the lives of working families and to build a stronger Canada by ensuring our common wealth is used for the common good. NUPGE