VICTORIA: The Canadian Taxpayers Federation (CTF) today launched a radio ad campaign putting forward the concerns of many patients and taxpayers in the on-going Health Employees Union (HEU) dispute.

"Some public sector union leaders seem to believe that taxpayers work for them," said CTF director Sara MacIntyre. "We believe that public sector unions work for taxpayers."

The campaign, which begins today and runs through to May 7th states that "taxpayers and patients want a health care system that works. That's why it's time for a reality check at the Hospital Employees Union."

"Forty-two cents of every dollar spent by the provincial government goes to health care, the government has a responsibility to manage those taxpayer dollars effectively and efficiently," said MacIntyre. "Labour contracts for non-essential services that are 40% more generous than the national average are not justifiable."

The CTF also raised the prospect of shepherding a class action lawsuit against the HEU. "We're interested in talking to people who have had their hospital procedures canceled as a result of the HEU's illegal strike action," stated MacIntyre. "The union needs to be held accountable and recognize the impact their actions are having on patients in the province."

"For the past several weeks, the HEU has flooded the airwaves in support of their message," stated MacIntyre. "It's time to remind the HEU and public that the government doesn't have any of their own money; it comes from taxpayers."