CUPE is calling an emergency meeting of public sector unions on Prince Edward Island to plan their opposition to any move by the provincial government to freeze wages.
CUPE will not tolerate any attack on our members and we will work with all public sector unions to protect the rights and jobs of public sector workers on the island, says CUPE PEI president Donalda MacDonald.
MacDonald was responding to statements by provincial treasurer Mitch Murphy that the province was facing a $107 million deficit and would be looking at cutting jobs or wages, introducing health care premiums and raising taxes.
MacDonald says that rather than attack those who deliver public services, the minister should take a hard look at the money the government spends on contracting out services rent, professional fees and contract services.
We are convinced that public employees could do this work much more efficiently and economically than outside contractors, says MacDonald.