Talks Break ! (November 14th) Deadlock Declared !! (November 15th) Strike Vote to come soon

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE November 14, 2007 Negotiations between CUPE Local 1251 and the Government have reached a deadlock FREDERICTON — The Canadian Union of Public Employees, Local 1251, is requesting the Labour and Employment Board to declare a deadlock. "Last week, after our members rejected the Commissioner's report by 97%, we returned to the negotiating table with the employer. Unfortunately, the employer refused to recognize the wage inequity between employees in the New Brunswick Public Service", explained Louis Arseneau, CUPE 1251's Vice-president. CUPE Local 1251 represents more than 500 members; consisting of Correctional Officers, Community College and NB Housing Custodians, Human Services Counsellors, Laboratory Assistants and Food Services Workers. "The main issue is appropriate wage adjustments. For many years now, we have been trying to obtain wage parity for the Correctional Officers who are still by far the lowest paid in the country. Our Community College Custodians and the Human Services Counsellors are also among the lowest paid in New Brunswick", added Arseneau. "After the deadlock is declared by the Labour Board, the next step will be to conduct a province wide strike vote", concluded Arseneau. CUPE Local 1251 Collective Agreement expired in June 2007. For more information: Louis Arseneau CUPE Local 1251 506-544-4912 Clifford Hay CUPE Representative 506-458-8059