If you drive past major construction sites in New Brunswick, you see picket lines. Hundreds of skilled trades workers across the province are walking off the job. Electricians and carpenters from three different unions demand wage increases and pay parity. The provincial government confirms this ongoing labour dispute disrupts local projects. According to a report by CBC News, the Department of Transportation faces delays, though officials have not named the specific sites affected.

Electricians Demand Livable Wages

Members of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Locals 1555 and 2166 started their strike last month. Jeff Morash is the business manager for Local 1555. He notes the strike delays projects at both hospitals in Moncton. Morash says wages fail to keep pace with inflation. His union represents 175 workers in southeastern New Brunswick. These electricians earn between $30 and $37 an hour.

“We also are seeing independent electricians making more than the union electricians in a lot of cases,” Morash said.

Apprentices face even tougher conditions. They earn less than $20 an hour. Morash calls this far less than a livable wage. Local 2166 represents workers in Fredericton, Oromocto, Miramichi, Bathurst, Campbellton, and Edmundston. They walked off the job on June 25. A news release from the local states Red Seal electricians fall seriously behind in wages due to inflation. They want fair pay to keep workers in the province.

Fredericton Carpenters Seek Pay Parity

In Fredericton, roughly 30 carpenters from Local 1386 are also on strike. They want wage parity with union members in other regions of New Brunswick. James Dawson serves as the union president. He says Fredericton carpenters earn $6.50 less an hour than their counterparts elsewhere.

“Which we believe is totally unfair,” Dawson said. “We want pay equity province wide.”

These workers negotiate with just two companies in Fredericton: Springhill Construction and Commercial Masonry. Dawson notes the striking workers had projects at the New Brunswick Legislature and the Dr. Everett Chalmers Regional Hospital. He claims the strike does not impact the progress of those specific sites.

Contractors Defend Their Offers

The unions face pushback from employers. Krista Lewis is the executive director of the Electrical Contractors Association of New Brunswick. She states negotiations continue. The association tabled an offer to Local 1555 on June 22, but the union declined it. Lewis says the association believes the offer is fair, responsible, and reflective of current economic realities.

Commercial Masonry also released a statement regarding the carpenters strike. The company offered employees a 20.4 percent pay increase over three years. This includes a six percent signing bonus for the first half of this year. The company calls the offer significant and competitive. Under this plan, a carpenter base rate reaches $39.16 an hour by January 2028.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is currently on strike in New Brunswick?
Hundreds of skilled trades workers are on strike. This includes electricians from IBEW Locals 1555 and 2166, and carpenters from Local 1386.

Why are the electricians striking?
Electricians want higher wages to combat inflation. Union leaders say current pay rates fall behind independent wages and fail to provide a livable wage for apprentices.

What do the Fredericton carpenters want?
The carpenters demand wage parity. They currently earn $6.50 less per hour than union carpenters in other parts of the province.

Are construction projects delayed?
Yes. The Department of Transportation confirms disruptions to some projects. Union representatives also report delays at two hospitals in Moncton.