Her comments come in the wake of a damning letter written to Green by the chief provincial court judge Camille Dumas.
The letter, released to the public yesterday, criticizes the government for refusing to recognize the value of the stenos work in the justice system. It also says the government has repeatedly insulted the stenos.
News reports say Finance Minister Norm Betts has suggested the stenos dont need to be highly skilled to do their jobs. He has also charged that the stenos deemed essential, and who are still on the job, are calling in sick as a pressure tactic.
The strike began on Sept. 25, 2000, and has turned into the longest public sector strike in NB history. It has also become one of the most bitter due to the clear case of wage discrimination by the government.
Judge Dumas is the latest in a long list of prominent individuals and groups who have criticized the government for their handling of the stenos.
We intend to expose this governments wage discrimination against stenos right across this country, Darcy said. It is time to get out of the dark ages. It is time to give these women the equality in their pay cheques that they deserve.
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Contact: <a href=”mailto:pbeattie@cupe.ca>Pam Beattie, Executive Assistant to Judy Darcy,
(613) 761-8796