News Release
Office of the Official Opposition

Premier's actions determined tenor of talks
November 29, 2006

Judy Foote, MHA for the District of Grand Bank and Opposition Critic for the Departments of Innovation, Trade and Rural Development and Business,  said it is clear that in standing shoulder to shoulder  with John Risley,   in suggesting that the employees of Fishery Products International in Marystown accept a $2 an hour wage reduction, Premier Williams influenced  Risley=s negotiations with the employees of Grand Bank Sea Foods. 

AThe workers at Grand Bank Sea Foods, which is owned by Clearwater,  are being asked to accept a $2 an hour wage cut, along with other concessions, in this most recent round of negotiations, Asays Foote. A It is no wonder Mr. Risley has repeated his salary reduction demands, this time with the workers of Grand Bank Sea Foods.  Premier Williams set the scene by making it clear that the employees of Fishery Products International in Marystown should not expect an increase in wages.  On the contrary, he saw nothing wrong with a wage rollback,  giving Mr Risley all the ammunition he needed to treat fish plant workers in our province less than fair and with less respect.   

AOnce again Mr. Risley, with the Premier=s support, is determined to take from the poor to make the rich richer.  Both FPI and Clearwater are profitable companies. This is simply a case of the wealthy getting wealthier,  while fish plant workers are expected to tow  the line and accept what Mr. Risley, and unfortunately the Premier,  think they are worth. Obviously, coming from a business background has prejudiced the premier, as he once again sides with business at the expense of fishery workers.@

Media Contact:
Kim Ploughman
Caucus Communications
Office of the Official Opposition
709-729-6427