The head of collective bargaining for the Professional Institute of the Public Service is pouring both barrels into federal plans for what amounts to wage controls for public servants.
"How about the MPs carrying their part of the can? They got a 3.1% increase in April," said Walter Belyea, after learning money is off the table for upcoming salary negotiations.
Currently, a 6.8 per cent increase is being offered over a four-year period for those working in the public service.
"Vic Toews got a 3.1 per cent increase in April. Is he going to give his money back? Is he going to roll it back to 1.5? I don't see him talking that kind of money."
Although the country's largest union, the Public Service Alliance, is holding its fire for now, the union's negotiating committees have been called back from across the country to Ottawa for consultation.
While the unions are preparing for a fight, those at a sprawling government complex at Tunney's Pasture in Ottawa had mixed opinions Thursday.
"I think it's changing economic times. Everybody has to buckle down somewhat," said one Ottawa resident.
"Believe it or not, government employees work very hard and they deserve their increases, and 1.5 after the first year isn't an increase," said another.
Still, the federal finance minister isn't budging on the issue, during what he calls a time of economic crisis.
"We believe that public sector compensation should not lead private sector compensation in Canada. For a number of reasons, among others, it's not fair to a struggling private business sector," said Jim Flaherty.
With a report from CTV Ottawa's Norman Fetterley
