NAPE ready to do battle for jobs, services

Public services are not for sale. That's the message from the largest union in Newfoundland and Labrador to all political parties just weeks before a provincial election.

• Unions condemn Paul Davis's long-term care bed plan

NAPE president Jerry Earle was talking toughThursday as the union began its 21st biennial convention in St. John's.

"Let me be crystal clear to government and those aspiring to form government.Ifprivatizationof public services are in your plans, your best bet is to reconsider because we will be there to fight you every step of the way," said Earle, to a standing ovation.

Earle referenced the Progressive Conservative strategy of askingprivate companies to build long term care homes, that will be leased back to government.

"An agenda championed by employer groups, who stand to make huge profits," said Earle.

We will be there to fight you every step of the way.- Jerry Earle

"This is nothing short of an attack on ourpublic health care system and onpublicsector workers who currently provide this vital service."

NDP on same page

NAPE has invited all three party leaders to speak at this convention.NDP LeaderEarle McCurdy, a former union leader himself, told the delegatesThursdayhe too is against privatization.

"The service motive should trump the profit motive in looking after our seniors, in looking after the sick, and in running the province,"said McCurdy.

NAPE saidother party leaders will be questioned about key issues, and their responses sent to union members before election day.

Tough bargaining ahead

In the meantime, the union expects to do battle on another front.

Earletold delegates that contracts expire in the next six months for 12,000public servants, including student assistants, air services andlab and x-ray workers.

"We are going into a very difficult round of bargaining," saidEarle.

"Our message for government, whomever that might be and for employers that might be involved in upcoming rounds of negotiationswe will not come to the table with our benefits and rights that we have fought for decades to retain, up for the taking. That is not on."

He hinted at a possible strike.

"We are in the best financial position that NAPEhas been in for decades and we will not hesitate to use the resources to support and defend our members," he said.