HALIFAX – Eighteen people got a chance to speak about the provincial government’s Bill 148 at the Law Amendments Committee Tuesday evening.
Bill 148 could impose a wage settlement on 75,000 public sector workers and have their wages frozen over the next two years.
“It feels like no choice”
JL Ilsley High School teacher Keri Butler said the government is not bargaining in good faith and Bill 148 stifles options.
“It feels like no choice,” said Butler.
Drew Moore a teacher in East Hants said the bill puts too many limits on negotiations.
“When you start limiting things that you can give and take then you start getting backed into a corner and that feels like bad faith to me,” said Moore.
Speakers turned away
Despite hearing from 18 people, more than seven were turned away from Law Amendments. They were told there was not enough time for them to speak.
Government members passed a motion limiting the committee’s hours.
Nurse Tracey Fisk said she was turned away.
“When I called they told me it was full up there was no room for anyone else and I could put a written submission in. It’s supposed to be our legislature and it gives us a chance to speak on something that affects us,” said Fisk
Musquodobit Rural High School Teacher Robert Hammer was told they weren’t taking anymore bookings.
“It was wrong that I couldn’t get my voice heard,” said Hammer.
Bill will likely pass
The Law Amendments Committee will continue Wednesday where 32 more people are expected to speak.
But with a majority, Bill 148 will likely pass. After Law Amendments, the bill will then go to committee on the whole and then for a third and final reading in the house.
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