PSAC critical of Stockwell Day's 'Cash for Cuts' program

OTTAWA, June 14 /CNW Telbec/ - While giving a speech today at the Public Service Awards of Excellence Ceremony, Stockwell Day, the President of the Treasury Board, proudly announced the creation of the Employee Innovation Program.

"On a day when Treasury Board should celebrate the excellent work of federal public service workers and the quality public services they provide to Canadians, Minister Day has chosen to deflect his responsibilities onto the backs of these workers" said John Gordon, PSAC National President.

With this program, the federal government is looking for suggestions on how to economize and save the government $1.7 billion. Those workers who make the most cost-effective suggestions will be in line to pocket 10% of the first-year savings, to a maximum of $10,000.

"Instead of investing in more public services, the government is paying for ways to reduce the size and scope of government" said Gordon. "This is in effect a 'Cash for Cuts' program - one that will pit worker against worker and cause chaos in the workplace".

PSAC has repeatedly asked Treasury Board to identify those federal programs that will be made to pay for the multi-billion dollar shortfalls contained in the Federal Budget. But instead of consultation and working with the federal unions, Treasury Board launches their 'Cash for Cuts' program and expects federal workers to identify those programs and services that could be sacrificed in the name of fiscal restraint.

"We cannot be bribed out of our collective agreements - nor should Canadians be deprived of the quality public services that we all rely upon", continued Gordon. "This 'Cash for Cuts' program demeans the federal public service and we will continue to oppose any cuts to public services and to the workers that provide them".

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