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It's hard times right now

Striking workers should take what they can get until things turn around

I did some research in regards to union contracts for government employees under NDP governments.

The Manitoba government signed a four year contract with the Manitoba government employees effective March 27, 2010 to March 21, 2014.  The rates of pay were 0 per cent in the  first year, 0 per cent in the second year, 2.7 per cent in the third year, and 2.7 per cent in the fourth year.

The Nova Scotia government signed a two-year contract with the Nova Scotia government employees effective Jan 1, 2010.

Rates of pay were one per cent in the first year, and one per cent in the second year.

This was a take it or leave offer and if not taken would have been legislated into contract.

Nova Scotia is having financial problems like the rest of the world.

The last B.C. government offer on the table was excellent, considering the economic times we are in.

Ontario Liberals are working on contracts too and proposing zero wage increases too.

These slow economic times are all part of history and these hard times will turn around in due course.  In the meantime, take the offer, they still have a job. When times are good again, they will get regular pay increases.

Not to be cheeky or anything, but how many government employees ever have to put in a claim in for employment insurance in relation to people working in the private industry?

How many people in the private sector are working full time without pay increases?

In summary, Catalyst union employees took a $5 per hour reduction on their wage for up to a five-year agreement.

Joe Sawchuk

Duncan