Salary increases for MPPs

Dear editor:

We have heard this week that the McGuinty government has extended the legislative session one more week so they can give themselves a 25% salary increase before Christmas.

Injured workers rallied in a number of communities seeking the same treatment only last week. The government representatives, from the Minister of Labour on down, said that they are studying this issue. Over the last three years, this

government has said they can’t afford it; they are worried about the long term impact; and the employer lobby is too strong.

Why is it that this government is so eager to give themselves a raise, to over $110,000 per year, while those workers with a permanent injury who are mainly unemployed and living in poverty, see their benefits decreased by inflation each year.

You may not know that there are approx. 340,000 workers in Ontario

who have a permanent disability from a workplace injury or disease. A number of research studies have consistently identified high unemployment in this group of 50 – 80%. Since 1996, injured workers have lost over 22% of the value of their pensions to inflation. If big business in our province isn’t willing to employ injured workers, then those loyal workers shouldn’t be forced into poverty as a result.

Two MPP’s, one Liberal and one NDP, have already introduced bills

to restore full cost of living protection for permanently disabled workers. The government could easily pass these bills along with the one for their own pay increase before Christmas. It seems to me, that what’s good for the goose is good for the gander.

It’s time this government stands up for the most vulnerable people in our province and not just the folks already on the top.

Steve Mantis - Thunder Bay Injured Workers Support Group