"They are obviously trying to bully our public servants and I think the results will be counter productive. Union members will get their backs up and an environment of confrontation will be created before negotiations get underway," says Barrett.

The Liberal member says he believes Williams inexperience in government is showing and it will result in problems for the people of this province. "It will not only be people employed in the public sector that will be affected but everyone who looks to them for service. I expect hospitals, schools and many other services to be interrupted."

Barrett also thinks the approach being taken by the Conservatives will have a negative impact on the economy. "The actions they have taken will create a climate of political and labour instability in this province which will scare away potential investors and kill consumer confidence. It is one thing to be a tough negotiator in the private sector, but in the public sector you have a lot more to consider."

"I think the whole approach of the Conservatives on this issue is very transparent. They are trying to manufacture a crisis by inflating and overstating the financial problems of this province. They are trying to manipulate these figures to create a political climate where they can move away from the promises they made during the election campaign. I think the unions and the people of this province are going to see right through this smoke screen and manipulative approach."

Barrett says Danny Williams’ approach indicates a very poor leadership style. "My understanding is there was very little if any input from the government caucus on this issue. He did not look to the political experience which is in his caucus for advice and I think this is evident in the actions he has taken."

The opposition critic says the balanced approach to dealing with the financial situation would be much more effective. "We need to balance the social needs of this province and the need for tight financial controls, while also having a long-term strategy to increase our resource revenue and get a fairer fiscal arrangement within Canada."