NB Union talks resume, Prime Minister Blaine Higgs remains hopeful for a deal – New Brunswick | The Canadian News

Talks resumed between the New Brunswick government and the Canadian Union of Public Employees.

Prime Minister Blaine Higgs said the two sides had lengthy discussions on November 11 and continued on Friday.

“Well, we had meetings yesterday, and they lasted for many hours, and we are working together on language in the agreement that I hope we will resolve later today. It remains to be seen, it is not confirmed yet, but I hope we find a solution, ”Higgs said.

The two parties have been stagnant over the issue of pensions for two inhabitants. The province wants them to use the risk-sharing pension model, which the union says they don’t want because of the risk it poses to the individual.

At the beginning of the month, the government took steps to force health workers to return to work according to the emergency order.

The education sector has shut down and the online learning model is not ideal, according to several parents.

2:07Schools Close When Thousands of New Brunswick Public Sector Workers Go on Strike

Employees working under Local 963, the union that represents workers at NB Liquor stores, have also voted in favor of the strike. On Thursday, union president Jamie Agnew confirmed that they had returned to the table. However, if an agreement cannot be reached, the workers are scheduled to leave work on November 16.

Despite the sense of hope within the legislature, outside CUPE members tried to make their voices heard. A few dozen members picketed around the legislature gathered at the back door used by politicians, their aides, journalists and communications personnel. The piqueteros used their horns, bells, voices and posters to send a message.

A woman was heard passing by reporters saying, “I think we can go now, I think he got the message.”

Higgs says that while negotiations don’t always go as planned, he was optimistic as he went ahead with the talks.

“The negotiations are an interesting topic. Is it really possible, yes, that we could have a resolution at the end of the day, but I cannot give a sure answer of yes or no because the negotiations have different twists and turns, “he said.

CUPE NB took to social media to confirm that they had returned to the table, but there was no clear signal when the two sides will come out with news of a deal.