CUPE Local 4569 representing Human Service Workers out picketing the offices of Saint John Harbour Liberal incumbant Dr. Ed Doherty. The union says it's members, who are mostly single mothers, have been without a contract and a wage increase for two years. CUPE's Mike Davidson tells CHSJ News minimum wage will increase $3.30 an hour next year but funding to the group home sector has not.
He says because of this it's put the whole profession of group homes in jeopardy. He says Social Development came in and removed 24 crying residents when four group home were closed this week.
Davidson adds the four group homes that closed this week are located on Duke Street, City Line and Adelaide and Maple Street.