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The New Brunswick Union of Public and Private Employees (NBUPPE/NUPGE) response to the 2012-2013 Budget.
Fredericton (28 March 2012) - “We were looking for a budget that is fair in its application, a budget that addresses our financial security, a budget that spreads the financial responsibility among all economic stakeholders, a budget that continues to strive to reduce poverty and finally a budget that strives for economic equality” says Susie Proulx-Daigle, President of the 8500 member New Brunswick Union of Public and Private Employees (NBUPPE/NUPGE).
The budget has many aspects that drew NBUPPE/NUPGE's attention: some constructive, some disappointments and others truly inconsistent.
"On the constructive side, we are pleased that the collective bargaining process will be honored by this Government as it attempts to manage the wage bill, retirement allowance and sick leave while introducing improved management programs," said Proulx-Daigle.
"We are pleased the Alward Government is committed to looking down the road for the future of all New Brunswickers. With 72% of working people in the Province without a workplace pension plan, it is important that the Government plays a crucial role of fulfilling this moral responsibility to the citizens of the province. The value of a pension plan speaks directly to the quality of life in this province. We all must be confident in our future. We look forward to seeing the results of the work of the Task Force on Pensions."
Proulx-Daigle continued, "We are also encouraged that the Government will continue to tackle the smuggling of alcohol and tobacco products and the underground economy that is costing the people of New Brunswick $630 million in unpaid taxes. We should be encouraged to buy New Brunswick products."
"On the disappointed side, we are discouraged more revenue generation measures were not introduced: The Centre for Policy Alternatives and the Common Front for Social Justice reminded New Brunswickers that by 2011 the tax cuts legislated in 2009 by the Liberal Government have resulted in the removal of $325 million from provincial revenue – half the current deficit. How to fix the deficit problem? Return to 2008 tax levels."
"Also, another revenue measure would be to add a new top tax bracket for incomes over $150,000 with a marginal tax rate of 21%. This would restore $260 million of revenue to the government. Families with income under $20,000 should pay no tax. The cost of this would be less than $2 million, money that would go into the pockets of those who need it most. In our view bring balance to the public sector cutting exercise now underway."
Proulx-Daigle went further to say, "Our government speaks of a balanced approach. But public employees will have contributed $60 million dollars collectively per year to the Province’s revenue base by cooperating with the wage restraint programs and ensuring quality services are still delivered. With no progressive revenue measures in this budget, we challenge the government’s claim of balance in this equation."
"On the inconsistent side, the Finance Minister reported that our employment declined by 4100 jobs on an annual basis and that the Province is seeking to attract good paying jobs yet it is intent on reducing the number of jobs with the Province’s largest employer, itself. We feel there is great value in a good paying job in the public service, and these jobs contribute to a stable economy and community quality of life," she said.
Proulx-Daigle concluded, "Perhaps the balanced approach of everyone sharing in the responsibility may only mean that a balanced budget objective is achieved at the cost of the largest single economic driver in the Province, the Government itself.
NUPGE
The National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE) is one of Canada's largest labour organizations with over 340,000 members. Our mission is to improve the lives of working families and to build a stronger Canada by ensuring our common wealth is used for the common good. NUPGE