Labour board orders province to rescind library worker layoff notices

New Brunswick's labour board has ordered the government to rescind layoff notices that were issued to library workers across three school districts.

But the effect of that order on the upcoming school year is not yet clear, according to the union head.

"The impacts on the members in those districts is huge," said Theresa McAllister, Canadian Union of Public Employees Local 2745 president. "So, where do we go?

"Do we go back, start over at step one? I'm not sure right now."

On Tuesday, the board found the province violated its duty under labour laws to bargain in good faith. The province was ordered to reverse library staff layoffs and a decision to reduce the working hours of school administrative assistants. 

The order was issued in response to a complaint submitted by the union after the layoffs came to light. 

"They knew of these impending cuts … while we were still at the table," McAllister told CBC News.

"We would have bargained differently, we could have bargained better, for more protection for the specific groups in layoff and that. But we weren't aware of what could happen."

In a statement, spokesperson Alycia Bartlett said the Department of Finance and Treasury Board will take time to review both the order and the decision rationale before determining whether to seek a judicial review.  

"Government has received the order from the Labour and Employment Board; however we have yet to receive the rationale for the decision, which is expected in the coming weeks," the statement said. 

Education Minister Claire Johnson didn't say whether a decision on a judicial review would come before schools reopen.

"We are aware that school is starting up again in September, and we're looking to have as much stability as we can for people that work in the districts and in the schools, but we don't have a specific time limit at this point," Johnson said at an event in Moncton on Friday. 

The order says library staff in three districts were affected by the layoffs — Anglophone West, Anglophone South and Francophone South.

The Anglophone West School District said in April that 32 library workers were laid off, and in June the Anglophone South School District said it eliminated 13 full-time and five part-time roles.

The districts said the cuts were necessary because of the province's budget allocation to the seven districts, and how money was earmarked, which required them to reduce spending by a total of $43 million. 

Although the districts issued the layoff notices, the province responds to orders concerning the school districts, according to the Public Service Labour Relations Act.