EDMONTON—The NDP is criticizing the United Conservative government for taking another step toward rolling out a piece of legislation that would delay public sector wage negotiations.

In the legislature Wednesday, a notice of motion was put forward on the bill, which means that the government will table it in the future. Opposition leader Rachel Notley slammed the government during question period over the move, saying it is “reaching into the pockets of nurses to grab their money.”

Bill 9, called the Public Sector Wage Arbitration Deferral Act, is now formally a tool the provincial government has indicated it will use.

Earlier in the week, a leaked letter sent from the government to public sector unions indicated it was open to introducing legislation to delay wage negotiations and arbitration. This would affect thousands of workers in Alberta — from nurses to conservation officers, and even sheriffs who work in the legislature building.

Alberta Finance Minister Travis Toews said they weren’t taking any options off the table at this time, including legislation.

But the notice of motion Wednesday is a step forward in the evolving struggle.

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“We are seeking to delay wage arbitration to ensure that we have a responsible path forward to balance in this province,” Toews said in response to the Opposition’s criticism on Wednesday. “Albertans expect us to be responsible with their hard-earned tax dollars.”

Union workers who had a pay freeze in the first two years of their contracts, but who now have the right to have the wage part of their contract reopened in the third year, are at the centre of the situation. They also have the right to arbitration if needed.

Toews has said he wants to delay the wage talks until a panel mandated with finding public spending efficiencies reports back to him in August. Dubbed the “Blue Ribbon Panel” and led by former Saskatchewan NDP finance minister Janice MacKinnon, it will seek out ways to save money.

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“It’s disrespectful to working people,” Notley told reporters after question period. “The Supreme Court of Canada has indicated that governments have to bargain in good faith — this is not bargaining in good faith.”

With files from The Canadian Press

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