Public sector the key to economic recovery
January 6, 2009
As we enter
the new year, Ontario is facing an economic crisis the likes of which few of
us have witnessed before.
In tough
times, with heavy job losses in the private sector, many families rely on a
public-sector pay cheque -- and so do the communities in which those
families live.
That’s why
all levels of government must take immediate action to strengthen our
economy and effectively address the global economic calamity that is
impacting Ontario and Canada.
To do this,
governments must infuse the public sector with badly-needed resources. In
the face of the most severe economic downturn since the 1930s, now is
definitely not the time to cut back on public services or public sector
wages.
Any moves
that cut wages and jobs for working people will add to the problem, while a
strategy that puts money in workers' pockets is a good one.
We're
hearing some of the right words from our Premier, but what's missing a
sweeping plan for bold action.
It’s time to
reinvest in our community colleges to educate young people for the jobs
needed to carry Ontario forward.
It will take
added provincial spending to create well-paying jobs and to help transform
bad jobs into good ones.
It’s time to
reinvest in our health care system and in the public services that safeguard
the health and safety of the people of Ontario.
Now more
than ever we must begin to pull together in common cause: Nothing less than
the future well-being of our province depends on it.
In solidarity,
Warren (Smokey) Thomas
President
OPS Bargaining 2008
