(Union Members Walk the Line on University Avenue)
(Photo by Jim Hennessy)
Sheet metal workers in Greater Saint John are off the job and walking the picket line.
This as they ramp up their demand for a raise. John London is a member of local 437 and tells CHSJ News, the Province doesn't want to sign a contract which would give them a raise unless something else in the contract is taken away.
London adds there are still non-unionized contractors working on the expansion at the Regional but the other unions refuse to cross the picket line.
Other picket lines are set up on the West Side and in the Industrial Park.
Pat Darrah with the Saint John Construction Association saw sheet metal workers are making $32.24 an hour and in Moncton, they make $29.25.
Darrah says they want to level the playing field so that contractors can work in both areas and stay competitive.
A mediator was appointed to try and find middle ground for both sides. No word on when negotiations might resume.
