Manitoba finance minister and labour leaders meet as province seeks savings

Manitoba Finance Minister Cameron Friesen speaks to media at a press conference before the provincial budget is read at the Manitoba Legislature in Winnipeg, Tuesday, May 31, 2016. Manitoba's public-sector union leaders may get some details about the Progressive Conservative government's cost-cutting plans Thursday during a meeting with Friesen. THE CANADIAN PRESS/John Woods

WINNIPEG – Manitoba’s public-sector union leaders say they have received no details about the province’s cost-cutting plans in a one-hour meeting with Finance Minister Cameron Friesen.

Kevin Rebeck, head of the Manitoba Federation of Labour, says he and others asked Friesen today whether the government is going to freeze wages or reopen contracts.

Rebeck says the union leaders received no direct answer, and the two sides have agreed to meet again to discuss what lies ahead.

Friesen says the government is committed to reducing the deficit, noting that labour costs make up more than two-thirds of the budget.

The minister says he’s keeping an open mind and wants to hear proposals from labour leaders, but adds the province will act quickly to get Manitoba’s fiscal house in order.

The Progressive Conservative government has already promised legislation this spring that will require the province’s fiscal situation to be taken into account when collective agreements are negotiated.

Friesen would not provide any details Thursday and said the legislation will be developed after further talks with the labour groups.