New Brunswick's public sector unions are preparing for 700 job cuts and the loss of several programs when the Liberal government hands down its budget on Tuesday.

Civil servants have already been put on notice that they should expect a two-year wage freeze, but now unions say they must plan to lose 700 jobs without any pension buyouts or money to soften the blow.

Labour leaders that represent provincial bureaucrats met in Fredericton on Saturday to discuss the upcoming budget.

Danny Leger, president of the Canadian Union of Public Employees New Brunswick, said the news is grim for government workers. There are measures in collective agreements to help workers if they lose their jobs but Leger said the province, unlike in previous years, will not offer any special deals to entice people into retirement.

'I think they're making a big mistake and I think they'll regret it.'— Brad Woodside, Fredericton mayor

"What we're being told is there is no workplace adjustments, basically that these affected people will be shown the door and offered the services of the Employee Family Assistance program," he said.

Tom Mann, the executive director of the New Brunswick Union of Public and Private Employees, said in a news release issued on the weekend that of the 700 jobs on the chopping block, 300 positions are now vacant or occupied by people who plan to retire soon and the other 400 employees will be laid-off.

"The impact of 700 jobs — positions — being affected should ring loud and clear to New Brunswickers. That's 700 people who are currently in positions providing services to them," Mann said.

With the news of the looming cuts, the New Brunswick union is rolling out an advertising campaign asking New Brunswickers, "What are you ready to risk?"

An internet video on the union's website warns that government cuts could put water and food safety, road safety and timely access to health test results at risk.

The government has already sent signals it may put several programs on the chopping block as well, say unions.

Fredericton mayor warns against slashing jobs

The cuts are also troubling news for the Fredericton economy as the provincial capital is home to the majority of bureaucrats.

Fredericton Mayor Brad Woodside said it would be counterproductive for the province to cut positions during tough economic times.

"That goes against everything that everyone else is saying. Unless our premier and our government knows something that nobody else knows, and I don't think that's the case," Woodside said on Friday.

"I think they're making a big mistake and I think they'll regret it."