FREDERICTON — Thousands of public sector workers in New Brunswick went on strike this morning.
Steve Drost, president of the New Brunswick branch of the Canadian Union of Public Employees, says the union’s membership is pushing for higher wages.
Those on strike include school bus drivers, custodians, some health-care workers in rehabilitation and therapy, educational support staff, workers in transportation and infrastructure and community college workers.
Drost confirmed the strike has led to school closures across the province.
Union officials say the provincial government abruptly walked away from contract talks Tuesday night.
Premier Blaine Higgs has said he’s prepared to order the strikers back to work.
Earlier this month, the union’s 22,000 members voted 94 per cent in favour of a strike.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 29, 2021.