In Ontario 65,000 Provincial Civil Servants are up for Contract Renewal this year and our Government’s opening offer is 12% - that’s 3% a year. Now pardon me, and maybe even forgive me – but a question to the Teachers Union – how is 3% a below par offer?

I’m astounded that some Government negotiator has placed a higher amount than private industry has enjoyed as an ‘opening offer’ – cause we all know they’ll need to move, even if just for goodwill.

I as well am not happy about the economic bail-out going to Bay Street chums, but how does the Teachers Union see an above the board, fabulous offer as – being asked to carry the new financial hardships on their back?

Most of us will roll back, this year, next and even maybe the next/ Net neutral would be fantastic….it’s going to be an interesting year as we see if sulking unions with in-tact pensions, protected holidays and more security than is left in the shambles of Industry take it [us] to the wall and if Mr. McGuinty possesses the same gut determination as former President Regan “go back to work, or you’re all fired”.