NEWS RELEASE
Office of the Official Opposition
For Immediate Release
Premier again using bully tactics against unions
The premier’s threat earlier today that unions should accept the current wage offer on the table or face possible rollbacks is another example of this government’s bullying tactics, says Opposition Leader Yvonne Jones.
Earlier today at the House of Assembly, Premier Williams stated that while the CUPE offer of 20 per cent over four years is safe, other unions should not expect the same if they don’t sign collective agreements now. He also stated that other union offers will be dictated by the economy and the price of oil.
“Today’s threat to unions is nothing new from this premier, it is indicative of his approach,” said Ms. Jones. “The premier is used to giving ultimatums and dictating the terms of negotiations. In today’s case, he is using the economy as the excuse to use such a heavy-handed approach, yet at the same time he is telling the people of Newfoundland and Labrador that this province is in good financial shape and is well- positioned to weather this economic storm.
“It is also apparent that the premier is willing to consider non-pattern bargaining only when it means decreases to wage offers. He has fiercely rejected the suggestion from nurses to have an improved wage and benefits package. He stated that the CUPE agreement would be honoured, but that other unions may not get the same increases if they wait to sign agreements. This type of collective bargaining is certainly not in good faith, but is typical of how this government operates”- 30 -
Media Contact:
Darrell Mercer
Director of Communications
Office of the Official Opposition
Tel: (709) 729-6151 or (709) 687-0477