February 23, 2009
News release
PSAC slams Budget Implementation Act for undermining collective bargaining and threatening women's right to pay equity
Ottawa – The 166,000-member Public Service Alliance of Canada made its submission to the Standing Committee on Finance today, criticizing the federal government for only allowing three days of debate on the far-reaching Budget Implementation Act, given its serious implications for workers' and women's rights.
In particular, PSAC's submission highlights the following problematic features of the Act:
-
The Public Sector Equitable Compensation Act would make it virtually impossible for women in the federal public sector to be paid equal pay for work of equal value. It uses pay equity as a bargaining chip during negotiations where the employer historically holds the balance of power. It bars unions from supporting members who want to make pay equity claims. Bill C-10 would do nothing to narrow the income gap between women and men in the federal public service.
-
The wage roll-backs contained in the Expenditure Restraint Act would overturn collective agreements that were fairly negotiated. Bill C-10 undermines workers' constitutional right to free collective bargaining.
“Government officials have admitted that there's no proof that the Public Sector Equitable Compensation Act will save the government any money. So why is it in the budget bill?” asked John Gordon, PSAC National President. “It won't help the economy or save jobs. It will prevent women in the federal public sector from demanding equal pay for work of equal value. It has no place in the budget.”
PSAC is demanding that Parliament remove the Public Sector Equitable Compensation Act from Bill C-10 and halt the wage roll-backs contained in the Expenditure Restraint Act.
For more information or to book interviews, please contact:
Ariel Troster, PSAC Communications
613-292-8363 (cell)
10-230209
Date Modified : 2010/01/29
