News release

September 27, 2004

PSAC condemns Liberal government double standard on pay increases  

OTTAWA…The   Public Service Alliance of Canada says the federal government should worry less about increasing the pay of Members of Parliament and concentrate on making fair wage offers to the people providing services to Canadians.  

“The federal government has little concern for Canadians who depend on the services our members provide,” says PSAC National President Nycole Turmel.   “More and more of our members are being forced out on picket lines while seeing hefty salary increases being proposed for MPs.”

“It is ironic that the government is prepared to see the vast majority of its workforce on strike over wage proposals that are not even close to the increases being proposed either by the government or the Judicial Compensation and Benefits Commission.”

The Commission is suggesting a 10% increase over and above the 1.3% MPs have already received this year.   The government itself recommended that MP salaries be increased by 5.8% in 2004 (4.5% in addition to the 1.3%).   “That's a far cry from the 1.75% in 2004 the government is trying to force our members to take,” says Turmel.

Since 2000, PSAC members have received increases of 9.6%.   From 2000 to 2004, Members of Parliament have received increases totalling 28.8% while Cabinet Ministers have received increases of 30.8%.   The Prime Minister's salary has risen by a whopping 52.8%.   And these numbers don't include any of the increases being proposed for 2004.  

“Treasury Board President Alcock is threatening back-to-work legislation on one hand while standing to receive an additional $21,000 this year if the Commission's recommendation is adopted,” indicates Turmel.   “Compare his annual increase to the annual salary of striking cooks and cleaners in federal pentitentiaries who are making just under $28,000 a year.”

According to Turmel, it's the double standard that's the problem.   “We believe that MPs have a difficult job and one that should be compensated fairly.   However, our members deserve fair treatment too.”

“Treasury Board has not only proposed increases that don't keep pace with inflation, government negotiators have even proposed to rollback existing benefits.   Meanwhile, increases are being recommended for MPs that Canadian workers can only dream of.”

PSAC believes it is time for the government to come back to the bargaining table before strike action escalates.   The 80,000 members of the Treasury Board Program and Administrative Services Group are awaiting their Conciliation Board report expected this week.  

“I wonder how MPs, who have benefited so richly over the last four years, can in good conscience support legislating an end to negotiations and to the legitimate bargaining proposals put forward by PSAC members,” says Turmel.

Approximately 40,000 PSAC members at Treasury Board (Operational Services Group), the Canada Revenue Agency and the Parks Canada Agency are currently engaged in strike action.  

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For information:            Louise Laporte, PSAC Communications                                        (613) 560-4287 or (613) 558-4975

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