Strike action could be looming for more than 2,000 workers with the New Brunswick government.

The union represents labourers and tradespeople in eight different government departments.

“We’ve been in bargaining talks with GNB since November 2022 and we’ve moved quite a bit from our original demands, but the province has not reciprocated,” Guimond told reporters on Wednesday, noting they have been without a contract since December 2022.

According to CUPE, the province’s most recent offer included a wage increase of $3.25 per hour for someone earning the median wage of $25.44.

The union’s last official offer was an increase of $7.25 per hour plus other benefits for someone earning the median wage.

Guimond said they presented the employer a one-time offer of $6 per hour plus other benefits to avoid a work stoppage, but the employer rejected it.

“We felt this deal was a fair offer for both parties and we feel that it would address the retention and recruitment and give the members of 1190 the opportunity to have a real living wage,” he said.

Officials said a strike could have an impact on road and bridge repairs, ferries, and provincial parks around the province.

A strike vote will be held soon, and Guimond said workers could be on the picket lines as early as late July.