VICTORIA – New Democrat MLAs have decided to vote against the bill giving MLAs a 29-per-cent pay increase, New Democrat Leader Carole James said today.



“The New Democrat Caucus will vote no on this bill,” James said today. “A 54-per-cent pay increase for the Premier and a 29-per-cent increase for MLAs are completely out of step with what British Columbians expect. And we hope that enough Liberal MLAs join us to defeat this bill.”



She said the NDP caucus has also decided that its members will not opt out of the pay increase if Bill 37 passes, but will donate the pay increase to charities.



“If we had the votes to defeat this bill, we would vote it down in its entirety,” James said. “New Democrats will give their raise to charity if the B.C. Liberals pass this bill, and participate in the pension plan.



“Unfortunately, the pension contained in the bill is the only one before us. We believe all workers should have a pension, and British Columbians are telling us that they believe that too. But they are surprised that the Campbell Liberals are bringing in pensions for MLAs while at the same time cutting pensions for injured workers.”



Bill 37, which was introduced to the Legislature on Wednesday, follows the recommendations of a three-member commission appointed by Premier Gordon Campbell. The bill also includes a provision which gives MLAs the opportunity to opt out of all pay and pension changes in perpetuity.