Mr. Speaker, as I was saying just now in my speech, which lasted perhaps five minutes, the union feels that it would lose 4,000 of 45,000 jobs existing as of now. We know that there will be a mediator-arbitrator, but we know as well that, in the bill as introduced, no employee will lose his or her job today, even after the return to work.
As far as rates of pay are concerned, the bill speaks of their being spread out over three years: 1.5%. 1.75% and then 1.9%. At the negotiating table, we do not know whether it was 8% or 9%. We do know that they were asking for 11%, while at the moment they have over 3% for the cost of living.
We still wish to improve the employees' pay, but with the mediator-arbitrator who is to be appointed in order to find a solution satisfactory to both parties, one never knows. At this point, it is possible after the year 2000, but for the next 3 years it is firm. People can always catch up after the three years, though.