VANCOUVER, B.C.: The Canadian Taxpayers Federation (CTF) applauded Premier Christy Clark today for announcing that private-public pay equity will be up for debate at this fall's B.C. Liberal convention.

"When a government employee is paid more in wages, benefits and pension than a private sector worker doing the same job, it is both unfair and onerous on taxpayers," said Jordan Bateman, B.C. Director for the CTF. "Taxpayers are groaning under the weight of this expensive labour and government needs to look at reducing costs."

In a recent op-ed, Bateman gave the example of two B.C. liquor store clerks. A clerk at the B.C. government liquor store earns from $18.84 to $28.50 an hour in wages and benefits, while a clerk at the private cold beer and wine store earns $10.66 an hour.

"Taxpayers can't afford to keep overpaying for government labour," said Bateman. "This is a discussion that governments of all levels and stripes need to have."

A recent poll released by the CTF shows that 73 per cent of British Columbians support the creation of Compensation Equity Act. This type of legislation would use a market-based model to reform compensation packages for government workers and move new hires from the ultra-expensive defined-benefit pension plan to more sustainable Pooled Retirement Savings Plans. It could also create a group of skilled negotiators to better negotiate senior executive pay in government and Crown corporations and deal with issues like the bonuses handed out to TransLink, BC Hydro and Community Living BC bosses.

"Getting these issues on the table with political parties and leaders is a big step forward," said Bateman. "The CTF hopes that this fall's discussion at B.C. Liberal convention will bring about lasting change and savings for taxpayers."