by The McNeil government voted down an opposition motion this morning meant to stall a government bill that could impose a wage package on public sector workers.
Debate on Bill 148 began at around 1:00 this morning and continued throughout the morning.
Another vote on the bill will come with its second reading, later today.
Meanwhile, Provincial Finance Minister Randy Delorey is defending the Bill saying the province has to reign in labour costs that make up 52 percent of the budget.
The Public Services Sustainability Act will impose a two-year wage freeze on 75-thousand public sector workers, followed by annual raises of one per cent and 1.5 per cent, with a half per cent at the end of year four.
It comes after teachers voted to reject a tentative deal that contained similar wage measures and the NSGEU postponed a ratification vote on a similar deal.