If AMs are on strike, they shouldn't get paid - Kirsty Williams (Kirsty Williams AM )

Cymraeg
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Kirsty Williams AM <info@kirstywilliams.org.uk>

If AMs are on strike, they shouldn't get paid - Kirsty Williams

March 23, 2010 12:00 AM

Kirsty Williams, leader of the Welsh Liberal Democrats, is calling on all Labour and Plaid Cymru Assembly Members who have been on strike and refused to cross a picket line to disclose whether they have instructed the fees office to deduct the appropriate amount of time not working from their salaries.

Two weeks ago, Labour and Plaid Cymru AMs refused to work in support of striking union PCS which resulted in Assembly business being cancelled. The PCS is also planning to strike tomorrow.

The Welsh Liberal Democrats argue that Assembly Members and Government Ministers who have missed days off work to participate in the strike should disclose whether they have instructed the fees office to forgo part of their salary.

Kirsty Williams, leader of the Welsh Liberal Democrats said:

"It is easy for Labour and Plaid Cymru AM's to cancel Assembly business but people will rightly expect that as a matter of principle, if they refuse to cross the picket line to work, they should forgo part of their salary in proportion to the amount of time they spent not working, just like everyone else who was on strike.

"Being on strike means not working and if you're not working, you shouldn't be paid - it's as simple as that. Those Labour and Plaid Cymru AMs who essentially had 'days off' should not be paid for the time they were not doing what they are being paid to do.

"The Welsh Liberal Democrats were working during the strike and will be carrying on with their Assembly business on Wednesday. If there is work to do, we will be there to do our job and represent the people of Wales."

Ends.