On Friday April 9, 2010, NB Power announced an early retirement program that does not include unionized employees.  I want to make sure that all members know that the Union is extremely disappointed that NB Power is specifically excluding unionized employees and that I'm taking immediate steps to gather more information and to express our concerns.
 
Firstly, in order to determine whether or not NB Power's decision illegally discriminates against Local 37 union members, I have sent the letter to lawyers at Pink Larkin so that they may carefully review it and provide any necessary guidance.
 
Secondly, I will be sending a letter directly to Acting NB Power President and C.E.O. Gaetan Thomas letting him know how disappointed I am with the fact that unionized employees have been slighted by this approach and to ask that early retirement packages be offered to all eligible unionized employees throughout the entire group of NB Power companies.  I will also express my disappointment that they are looking to reduce the number of term and casual employees, many of whom are our members and are some of the lowest paid employees in the corporation.
 
Please know that you will be kept informed as more information becomes available. As I am sure our members have a lot of questions about this, I encourage you to share this information with our members. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to call or email the Union office. 
 
Fraternally,

Ross Galbraith, Local 37 Business Manager