This Speech from the Throne is a missed opportunity and another attack against the public service.  Balancing the budget on the backs of public servants is not a balanced approach.  If the Conservatives really want Canadians to have good, secure jobs, we need more social investments not more public service cuts.

For the government to announce a change in the PSLRA without any warning or prior discussion with the unions that represent public servants is unprecedented and a threat to good labour relations and highly provocative.  The Public Service Labour Relations Act is the cornerstone of positive labour relations between employees and their employer.  We will not accept any infringement or erosion of our members’ rights.  Collective bargaining is a democratic right and it works.

The government should have recognized the dedication of its employees and the value of the services they provide to Canadians.  It should have reversed the misguided cuts to services to veterans, seasonal workers and other Canadians who are now worse off as a result of this government’s policies.

We are also dismayed to see that the government intends to use performance management measures as a cost reduction tactic. This is unacceptable. We have had performance management programs in the federal government for years. Using performance as a smokescreen for further downsizing is dishonest and unfair to the hard working members of the public service.

The government cannot unilaterally reform sick leave.  Sick leave is a negotiated benefit that our members depend on and that ensure a healthy workplace.