Minister outlines government�s salary proposal to union

Government is willing and able to provide public sector employees with a nine per cent raise in compensation over the next three years, according to Finance Minister and President of Treasury Board Joan Marie Aylward. The minister stated that a three per cent increase for each of the next three years for government employees is both reasonable and sustainable.

"Government believes public sector employees deserve a wage increase," said Minister Aylward. "We are interested in giving them one which this province can afford and can sustain. A three per cent increase for each year of the next three years is that kind of sustainable raise."

Minister Aylward stated that government continues to be willing to negotiate any issues of concern with the unions representing its employees, taking into consideration the long and short-term financial impacts on the province as a whole.

Media contact: Glenn Bruce, Communications, (709) 729-6793.

2001 03 02                                        9:55 a.m.