News Release

FREDERICTON (GNB) – The provincial government is directing both sides in the labour dispute at the University of New Brunswick to resume collective bargaining with the help of a special mediator.

Brian Keller, a long-serving expert in Canadian labour relations, will meet with the administration and the Association of University of New Brunswick Teachers on Wednesday, Jan. 29, and Thursday, Jan. 30.

“This appointment obliges both parties to return to the table and underscores a new level of urgency to the process,” said Post-Secondary Education, Training and Labour Minister Jody Carr. “As Premier David Alward has said, our priority is to see students finish their term with the least amount of disruption possible.”

Keller's appointment is being made in accordance with the Industrial Relations Act and will follow two standard procedures: there will be a media blackout; and Keller will work in collaboration with a government-appointed mediator. This step is being funded by the provincial government.

“My colleagues and I continue to monitor the situation closely and will provide the necessary assistance to reach a resolution, balancing our respect for collective bargaining and the need to protect students,” Carr said.

Keller is an expert in labour law, having practised in the field since 1972. He has been active as a mediator and arbitrator since 1987. He has served as vice-chair of the Canada Labour Relations Board and as vice-chair of the Ontario Labour Relations Board and the Grievance Settlement Board. His files in dispute resolution are diverse and have included Air Canada, Canada Post, railways, school boards, universities, community colleges, hospitals and municipalities.

He comes to the dispute with the endorsement of the two parties, having been selected from a list of four candidates they jointly proposed.

Since May of last year, the administration and the union have been negotiating a new collective agreement, The provincial government has provided both parties with the necessary tools under the Industrial Relations Act – including a conciliation officer and a mediation officer – to reach this goal.

However, an agreement has not been reached, and the union exercised its right to strike beginning on Jan. 13, followed by a lockout by the administration on Jan. 14. While both parties have indicated from the first day of the strike their desire to return to the bargaining table, this has not happened.    

Last Friday, Jan. 24, Carr met Ben Whitney, president of the University of New Brunswick Student Council, and Patrick Joyce, executive director of the New Brunswick Student Alliance, hearing first-hand how this dispute is affecting students, parents, their families, the university community and the entire province.

"I understand that students, among many others, are frustrated, concerned and worried that their university education may be in jeopardy,” Carr said. “Many students have made significant sacrifices to pursue a higher education at the University of New Brunswick."

Carr recognized that many students are faced with personal and financial concerns and are worried about employment opportunities and graduation.

"Let me be clear when I say this – so is your government," he said. "Our government recognizes that our post-secondary education sector is an essential building block to growing New Brunswick’s economy, creating jobs and responding to the evolving needs of our labour market.”

LINK:

●   Statement from Post-Secondary Education, Training and Labour Minister Jody Carr