Corner Brook – Newfoundland and Labrador’s new finance minister will hear from CUPE NL President Wayne Lucas in Corner Brook this afternoon, as part of the province’s pre-budget consultations.
CUPE NL will present a brief to Charlene Johnson with the union’s suggestions for this spring’s provincial budget. They include:
- CUPE’s support for a request from Municipalities Newfoundland and Labrador for access to new revenue sources, including a share of provincial gas taxes and full rebate of the provincial portion of the HST;
- Increased support for our public library system. The $1.2 million cut to our public libraries in last year’s budget has meant reduced hours and services. A CUPE poll in June, 2013 showed 70% of people said they oppose reducing library staff and hours;
- Moving the province’s child care system to a publicly funded, publicly delivered, not for profit model. A 2012 study by TD Economics recommended that public spending on child care become a top priority;
- Urging the provincial government to oppose Ottawa’s plan to increase Old Age Security from age 65 to 67.
Says Lucas, “We want to commend the Marshall government for its continued support of defined benefit pension plans, as the premier himself has publicly stated is his preference.
“We also see our province’s role in the Pan-Atlantic Advisory Panel studying the impact of recent changes to Employment Insurance as a positive step. This government also showed true leadership when it joined with several other provinces and territories in introducing
card-based union certification.”
(ATTENTION ASSIGNMENT EDITORS: Lucas is scheduled to present between 3:00 and 5:00 pm, Wednesday, February 12 at the Glynmill Inn.)
For information:
Wayne Lucas
President, CUPE NL
(709) 727-2509 (m)
John McCracken
CUPE Communications Representative
(902) 455-4180 (o)