That's what Alberta's nurses are calling the move by Jason Kenney's UCP to roll back their wages by 3%.
In Kenneyland, contracts apparently are notional, not legal, documents. In 2020, a four-year contract with a 0% wage increase was signed, but Alberta Health Services, under the obvious direction of a craven, feckless premier, says they just cannot afford the wages they are currently paying.
Perhaps the government hopes nurses will take some comfort in the fact that people like Alberta's Finance Minister really do like them:
In a statement on Tuesday, Finance Minister Travis Toews commended the “invaluable role” nurses have played in the COVID-19 pandemic but noted Alberta needs to get its finances back on track.
“The need to bring wages in line with other large provinces does not diminish our deep respect for the exceptional work and dedication of public sector workers.
And that 'deep respect' was echoed by the man himself.
The premier was asked about the negotiations with the nurses’ union on Thursday. While Jason Kenney said he didn’t want to comment too much out of respect for the negotiation process, he did thank all health-care workers for their services, especially during the pandemic.
As the following report makes clear, neither the nurses nor the public are impressed by political platitudes.
If the political winds are blowing in the direction I suspect they are, after the next provincial election the United Conservative Party will have ample opportunity to reflect on and review how they do politics. Sitting on the other side of the legislature will, no doubt, be a humbling experience for them.
unless elected premier
ReplyDeletedine and dash kenney
will be gone
to a position on the board of "where the billions went"
Yours is a very probable scenario, lunta. The federal prize of leading the Conservatives is likely beyond him now.
DeleteWhat's the market value of that guy's deep respect? I'll bid a handshake from the foremen and a smirk from Tom Potter.
ReplyDeleteSounds about right, John. People who are legends in their own mind seldom are to others.
Delete.. 'Platitudes' - Forked tongue - Baloney
ReplyDeleteI could go on re posturing, pretending and go deeper into deep deceit. At some point we need to recognize the Tucker Carlson and Alex Jones and Donald Trump phenomena manifesting within 'political punditry' which is neither 'Journalism' or useful Information' - rather it's part of the evolving & growing 'attention economy' and darned if isn't also being pumped out by posturing Canadian political parties.. Especially those deeply entwined into bought and sold Mainstream Media
Platitudes are the stock-in-trade of politicians, Sal. People like Kenney et al. excel in that category.
ReplyDeleteWant too know how to destroy a healthcare system? Just ask Jason.
ReplyDeleteClearly, that is one of the few areas in which he excels, Owen.
DeleteThat's right, Owen. Use every advantage the situation affords. Progress toward achievement of the core mission objective continues unabated. Textbook.
Delete