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NLIS 2 March 31, 2004 (Executive Council) Government unable to reach a deal Premier Danny Williams and Loyola Sullivan, Minister of Finance and President of Treasury Board, tonight said despite every possible effort, government was unable to reach a collective agreement with NAPE and CUPE. "We made considerable effort as a government to avoid a strike - it was certainly the last outcome we wanted. However, at the end of the day, the unions were looking for something that was completely out of the question for government and for the taxpayers of the province," said Premier Williams. Premier Williams and Minister Sullivan met with NAPE President Leo Puddister and CUPE President Wayne Lucas for several hours tonight in an attempt to negotiate an agreement and avert a public sector strike. Government�s final offer included a five year deal with salary increases of 0-0-2-3-3 over the duration of the agreement. "We made a very fair offer considering our fiscal situation, and the unions were looking for 0-0-5-5-5 over that same period, at a cost of approximately $330 million to the province," said the Premier. "We also took several concessions off the table including pensions, severance, and we also made movement on sick leave. Government made significant movement throughout the day, however, unfortunately the unions did not. "We have spent the past number of weeks preparing for one of the toughest budgets this province has ever seen. We made very difficult decisions in order to begin to address the horrendous fiscal situation which the previous administration spent years creating. The decisions outlined in the budget will impact every Newfoundlander and Labradorian. We cannot ask every Newfoundlander and Labradorian to be a part of the solution to our fiscal challenge, and not ask the same from the unions." "With our province�s fiscal situation, an agreement must be made within our means. We offered what we could afford and they turned us down. It is very unfortunate that we could not come to an agreement, however, we have to be responsible to every person in this province," said Minister Sullivan. "Government must be responsible with taxpayers dollars because that is what the people expect and that is what they deserve." "I certainly hope that the membership is fully aware of the offer which government put on the table," said Premier Williams. "I happen to believe that despite the strike vote, the great majority of our public servants do not want to be on the picket line. I can only hope that the strike will not go on too long." Government is committed to providing priority and essential programs and services to the people of Newfoundland and Labrador. Many services will be offered on a reduced or limited basis. Individuals are advised to call departments with specific inquiries. For additional information on services available, please visit the government Web site at: //www.gov.nl.ca/strikeinfo (The site will be accessible at approximately 9 a.m. Thursday, April 1. Media contact:
2004 03 31 11:10 p.m.
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