CUPE Saskatchewan praises new social spending in provincial budget

[Sep 22, 2006 02:33 PM]

For Immediate Release:
April 6, 2006

REGINA: The Saskatchewan division of the Canadian Union of Public Employees is praising the significant new social spending announced in today's provincial budget.

"We're very pleased that the government has recognized the need for substantial social reinvestments in a number of critical areas, including health care, post-secondary education and skills training," said Tom Graham, president of CUPE Saskatchewan. "Many of these public investments will enhance our economy and create a more skilled workforce, but more importantly they will also strengthen our communities and improve the quality of life for the citizens of this province."

Graham welcomed the two-year tuition freeze for post-secondary students and the $40 monthly increase to social assistance rates, the biggest increase in over two decades.

He also praised the announcement that the provincial government would fully fund pay equity for workers at SIAST and regional colleges, but said the government should have extended pay equity further to cover other public sector employees working in schools, universities, libraries, municipalities and community-based agencies. The latest statistics show that Saskatchewan women working full-time earned an average of $11,400 less than their male counterparts, a wage gap Graham called "completely unacceptable."

The CUPE Saskatchewan president expressed disappointment with the government's decision to implement the recommendations of the Business Tax Review Committee. "The business lobby demanded these tax cuts, even though there was no evidence to suggest that Saskatchewan's tax levels were hindering investment. It's now incumbent on the business community to deliver the promised investment and good-paying jobs."

Graham said the provincial government now needs to focus on other social priorities facing the province, such as creating a representative workforce for Aboriginal people, implementing a universal child care program, and expanding pay equity so all women receive equal pay for work of equal value.

CUPE represents over 26,000 public sector workers in Saskatchewan who work at health care facilities, municipalities, school boards, universities, libraries and community-based organizations.

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For more information, contact:
Tom Graham 229-8171

 

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