"A management employee has shown me a copy of a questionnaire that is being circulated to management and non-bargaining employees asking if they possess specific skills that would be needed in the event of a strike," said Grimes. "The questionnaire, which was reported by The Telegram this morning, specifically tries to identify people who can fill in for social workers, nurses, and nursing assistants, but they are also looking for people with skills that would allow government to continue operating by replacing striking workers doing things such as accounting, invoice processing, communications technology, payroll and security.

Grimes says he is suspicious that the Conservative government is trying to provoke a strike as a way of saving money and accuses them of not bargaining in good faith. "This government is obviously out to break the unions of this province. There is no other explanation for the drastic proposals they have been putting forward. This, combined with the fact that they have a strike plan in place so early, leads me to believe they may be trying to force a strike."

The Opposition Leader says this kind of approach to collective bargaining is very reckless and does not create the kind of environment that is needed to encourage investment in this province. "The heavy handed approach taken by Danny Williams is creating a confrontational situation that has implications for the entire province. This is not just a dispute between an employer and employees as it would be in the private sector. In this case the whole of the province will be impacted and we should all be concerned about the way things are going."

Grimes called on members of the Conservative caucus to exert whatever pressure they could on the premier and finance minister before it is too late. "I have spoken to members of the PC caucus who are very uncomfortable with the approach of their leader. If there is to be any change in this current dictatorial negotiating process, these members have to speak out publicly or at least speak up in their own caucus meetings in order to stop this government from continuing in the direction they are going."