Workers need a secure future

Re: “B.C. must rein in public-sector wages, benefits,” comment, July 10. What the good folks at the Fraser Institute have said in their attempt to affect the negotiation process before it begins is simply untrue. Yes, some of the facts they cite are accurate, but when one looks at the overall picture, it is unfair, as it misses some important truths in the attempt to sway public opinion.

First, they point to the provincial payroll, then quote overall publicsector numbers, truly an apples oranges example of using “selected facts” to support a statement.

The writers fail to mention that all levels of government have for years been dedicated to a fair-wage policy, ensuring male-female pay equity. The private sector lags far behind the public sector when it comes to equal pay for equal work.

This accounts for a large portion of the differential. If they accounted for pay-equity differences between public and private sectors, the gap would be reduced.

Finally, the tired old argument about differing pension plans is presented. Why it is that working British Columbians think that a flimsy, market-dependent “defined contribution” plan is an acceptable plan for any employer to offer? Should we not insist on a more secure future in exchange for our years of service to our employers, public or private sector?

The past decade has seen a high degree of market volatility, most defined-contribution pension plans have been affected, some very badly. Why would any thinking person risk their future on such a volatile method of “enforced saving”? K.M. Frye Central Saanich