The B.C. Liberal government somehow thinks that public sector workers, including the 3,000 CUPE members at UVic, should be thankful if they can get a wage increase that does not keep up with inflation: “It is irresponsible for the [BCGEU] to be asking for further wage increases given the uncertain world economic situation” (quote from Kevin Falcon, the recently resigned Finance Minister who is soon to flee to the private sector). Public sector workers have been offered 3.5% over two years.
Apparently, private sector employers do not seem to be as worried about said uncertain world economic situation, as it has been projected that non-union wages will rise an average of 3.2 % next year (see CBC story).