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"We will continue to push for [domestic violence leave] in negotiations, with the ultimate goal of it becoming part of the labour laws in our province." — Susie Proulx-Daigle, NBU President
Fredericton (21 Aug. 2017) — The 2 newest groups to join the New Brunswick Union (NBU/NUPGE) officially signed first contracts on August 16.
NBU/NUPGE members who work at Mount Saint Joseph Nursing Home and NBU/NUPGE members who work at Miramichi Senior Citizens Home components each signed one-year agreements with their respective employers.
The contracts run until Aug. 16, 2018.
New contracts include leave for domestic violence
"We're very pleased these two groups have signed their first contracts," said Susie Proulx-Daigle, NBU President. "Both sides have worked hard during the bargaining process and should be commended."
The contracts are unique as it's the first time the NBU/NUPGE has negotiated leave for domestic violence into an agreement.
"We believe domestic violence leave should be available to all New Brunswickers," Proulx-Daigle said. "We will continue to push for it in negotiations, with the ultimate goal of it becoming part of the labour laws in our province."
First time professional and supervisory staff unionize
The contracts also mark the first time professional and supervisory employees in provincial nursing homes have organized and negotiated a collective agreement, something the NBU/NUPGE hopes to see more of in the future.
The workers in the groups represent a diverse cross section of jobs including dieticians, recreation directors, director of finances, administrative staff, directors of nursing, assistant director of nursing, director of plant, director of housekeeping and laundry, human resources, outreach workers and ingredient control.