Sask. Party government misses opportunity to invest in Saskatchewan workers

Released April 10, 2018

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April 10, 2018

Sask. Party government misses opportunity to invest in Saskatchewan workers

The Saskatchewan Federation of Labour (SFL) is disappointed the Sask. Party government gave up an opportunity to invest in Saskatchewan workers and create good jobs. Premier Scott Moe’s first budget offered no change from the Wall-era policies of heartless cuts, ballooning deficits, and disrespect for workers.

“Unfortunately, what we saw in today’s budget was more of the same. Same old cuts, same old unfair tax hikes, and the same old refusal to create good jobs by investing in workers,” said Larry Hubich, SFL president, “we will take some time to consider the lasting impacts of this budget, but it is pretty clear that Saskatchewan people do not support these types of short-sighted decisions,” he added.

The SFL was watching for five main points in the budget that would grow our economy and invest in workers:

  1. End the Wage Rollback Mandate

Take the 3.5% rollback mandate off the table and give public sector workers a raise.

  1. Stop Privatization

The government will save millions of dollars by abandoning privatization, like sell-offs and P3s.

  1. Increase Funding to Public Services

Get healthcare workers a fair collective agreement, increase funding to education and other services, and stop the use of expensive private consultants.

  1. Give Minimum Wage Earners a Raise

Implement a plan to rapidly phase-in a $15/hour minimum wage.

  1. Shift to Fair Taxation

Shift to ensure corporations and the rich pay their fair share through a progressive income tax system with corporations paying a larger share.

“In today’s budget, the Sask. Party government failed on every point that would invest in Saskatchewan workers, grow our economy, and create good jobs,” said Hubich, “I encourage citizens across the province to call and email their MLA – and tell them to stop the cuts,” he added.

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The SFL represents over 100,000 working people across the province in 37 affiliated unions.

For additional information, contact:

Kent Peterson

SFL Strategic Advisor

m: 1 (306) 570-1855

e: k.peterson@sfl.sk.ca

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