Total approaching $150,000 for Newfoundland and Labrador consultants

St. John's (16 Sept. 2016) — Records released to the Newfoundland and Labrador Association of Public and Private Employees (NAPE/NUPGE) under the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act (ATIPPA) show that the provincial government paid out over $12,000 to McInnes Cooper law firm for the month of August alone.

This brings the total for services rendered thus far to: $141,812.56.

Government spending on outside help rising even before bargaining begins

Earlier this year, the government hired the services of McInnes Cooper, a law firm that specializes in labour law, as well as Cathy Dornan, a crisis management and communications specialist with strong ties to the Liberal party, to deal with public sector negotiations.The contract means the province is spending $350 or more per hour on the upcoming set of public sector negotiations.The arrangement with Ms. Dornan was severed at the end of June, following public outcry on the matter.

NAPE/NUPGE keeps track of costs through Access to Information Act requests

“As promised, our union will continue to file access requests on this matter so the people of the province know how much this government is spending on outside help to take on their own workers,” said Jerry Earle, NAPE President.“Keep in mind, almost $150,000 has already been paid by this government to a private law firm, without any tender process, on negotiations that have not even started yet. NAPE/NUPGE has 15 bargaining tables alone. Costs could quickly spiral further out of control when negotiations actually commence — much to the glee of the partners at McInnes Cooper.”

NUPGE

The National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE) is one of Canada's largest labour organizations with over 360,000 members. Our mission is to improve the lives of working families and to build a stronger Canada by ensuring our common wealth is used for the common good. NUPGE