It is a controversial topic but one the Cities of New Brunswick Association is not shying away from.
They want the province to bring forward a new arbitration process for police officers and firefighters.
The association says the current legislated interest arbitration system takes away each city’s ability to make choices and often leads to “forced” wage increases.
Saint John Mayor Don Darling said the current legislated interest arbitration does not consider affordability, pointing to his city as an example.
“Since 2004, cumulative raises have been in the range of 55-plus per cent when inflation has been about half of that,” Darling said. “We just can’t sustain these types of wage escalations anymore.”
#SaintJohn Mayor Don Darling now talking about arbitration for police and fire. He says they value the work of these employees, but the current arbitration process doesn’t consider taxpayer affordability. pic.twitter.com/VLDE1nbUU9
— Brad Perry (@BradMPerry) August 28, 2018
Darling argued the only reason agreements are settled now is because the only other option is the “broken” arbitration process.
One of the things the cities want the province to explore is right to strike with essential worker designation.
“It’s one of the items that was removed many years ago and, in return, interest arbitration was awarded,” Darling said. “What I think we’re saying as cities is this system needs to be re-examined, it’s not working.”
Darling said they want to work with police and fire unions to find some balance in the system and will work with whichever party forms government after the September 24 provincial election.
Darling says they’re asking the province to explore final offer selection, government employed arbitrators, and right to strike with essential worker designation.
— Brad Perry (@BradMPerry) August 28, 2018
(Photo: Brad Perry/Acadia News)
