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NLIS 1
April 1, 2001
(Executive Council)

 

Minister comments on offer to unions

President of Treasury Board and Minister of Finance Joan Marie Aylward said today that government�s offer of 5-4-4 per cent over three years is a significant offer which members of NAPE and CUPE should examine with care.

"Let�s take a long hard look at the facts. Tom Hanlon/NAPE has publicly stated that it has taken a decade to get a six per cent raise," said Minister Aylward. "Well, the offer on the table to the union right now will provide for six per cent in a single calendar year - the five per cent under the new contract, plus the one per cent outstanding from the previous contract. That is significant by any standards. In fact, the last time an increase this large was provided for general service was 1990."

"On top of that, we are offering four per cent for the next two years of the contract as well," noted Minister Aylward. "Included in the offer of 5-4-4 is one per cent to commence indexing of the pension plan, another key demand of the unions."

As a further measure to address the unfunded liability of the pension plan, government will also increase its yearly repayment to the plan by $20 million, up to $60 million, starting in 2003-2004.

The minister pointed out that this offer is better than any current offer in the country. "We have consistently stated that we want to give our employees a fair increase," said Minister Aylward. "We have moved from our original position and presented NAPE with a reasonable response to their counterproposal. We have moved. We urge the members of NAPE and CUPE to do so as well."

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

2001 04 01                           6:45 p.m.

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