Prentice continues Conservative tradition of attacking front line workers – CUPE

EDMONTON – The President of the 36,000 member Alberta Division of the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) is sticking up for front line public employees after comments made yesterday by Alberta’s Premier.

“Attacking the salaries of front line workers, at the same time considering a sales tax that would reduce the prosperity of Alberta families, the Conservative government is continuing the attacks on working people started by Alison Redford,” said Marle Roberts, President of CUPE Alberta.

Roberts was responding to comments made by Alberta Premier Jim Prentice yesterday that front line employees should expect efforts to contain their salaries – and weeks after ruling out a sales tax – Prentice was willing to consider it.

“If this is the direction the Conservative government is taking, front line workers should be very, very worried about what is to come if the Conservatives are re-elected,” said Roberts.

Instead of attacking working Albertans who provide public services, Roberts called on the Premier to implement a progressive tax and consider rolling back corporate tax cuts implemented by his government.

“The Conservatives have given corporations and the wealthiest Albertans the biggest tax breaks in the history of the country,” said Roberts.  “Before we cut services, before we impose a sales tax – let’s fix the mistakes this government has made.”

Contact: Lou Arab
Cell: 780-271.2722
LA/lg cope#491