Agreement to Tackle Devco Pension Packages
A full assessment of pension packages was the first order of business when Premier Russell MacLellan met with representatives of four unions representing Devco workers in Sydney today.
"The federal pension packages are not acceptable, period," said the premier. "We will go over the packages with a fine-tooth comb, and with the unions, the province will examine them from every angle. We will consider changes to the existing package and we will identify specifics to take to the federal government. We will use every means possible to make the federal government see that the deal must be improved."
The review of the pension packages began immediately following the meeting, when provincial government officials and union representatives formed a working group that will report within a few weeks.
"We had a very positive meeting this afternoon," said Steve Drake, president of the United Mine Workers, District 26. "We got commitments on several issues of concern, which adds ammunition to our fight on behalf of the miners. The key commitment from the premier was his agreement that, no matter how long this takes, he is in it for the long haul.
Victor Tomiczek, national representative of the Canadian Auto Workers, was involved in today's meeting and identified local pension experts who will be asked to join the working group.
The premier today reiterated a previous commitment to maintain Nova Scotia control over the Cape Breton coalfield leases. "The community, along with the provincial government, will determine whether those coal leases are reassigned. The leases and coal rights are assets that have been held by the people for generations, so it is up to Nova Scotians to determine where we go from here."
In addition to establishing the pension working group today, the premier said he will soon reconvene a provincial stakeholders' group examining economic directions for Cape Breton.
"I reject the idea that the economic health of Cape Breton and the financial future of the miners are competing interests. They are the same," said Premier MacLellan. "This whole matter is about a healthy and vibrant community. The miners are a key component of this community and they must be treated fairly."