HALIFAX -- The head of Nova Scotia's largest public sector union says she believes the premier is setting the stage for a legislated wage freeze once the legislature resumes next month.

Nova Scotia Government and General Employees Union president Joan Jessome says Stephen McNeil's public criticisms of medical residents on Thursday were meant as much for her membership as it was for the residents' union.

McNeil said that in seeking arbitration the medical residents were bargaining in bad faith and he strongly urged them to get back to the negotiating table.

When asked, McNeil wouldn't say whether the government is considering legislation in order to avoid arbitration.

The NSGEU is currently negotiating for 7,600 civil servants although Jessome says talks are tough because the government has set pre-determined conditions.

Jessome says if there is no negotiated solution and with talks with health care workers yet to begin, she believes the government will impose legislation after the legislature resumes on Nov. 12.