NAPE budget fight hitting the road

Newfoundland and Labrador's largest public sector union is hitting the road to fight the province's budget.

• Full coverage: Newfoundland and LabradorBudget2016
• Government downplaying job cuts with 'full-time equivalent' term, says NAPE
• Liberal budget a 'betrayal', says NAPE leader Jerry Earle

The Newfoundland and Labrador Association of Public and Private Employees (NAPE) isplanning protests in several communities across the province, in an effort to push back against the cuts outlined in the budget.

"The contempt in the public for this budget is palpable. We wanted to provide opportunities for workers and community members and organizations to voice their opposition," said NAPE President, JerryEarle, in a statement Thursday morning.

"I encourage all concerned citizens to attend have their voices heard. This is not only about jobs, this is about how cuts to our public services hurts us all."

'Efforts to fight back'

The demonstrations will begin at noon onFriday in St. John's, whereEarle will visit the Health Sciences Centre, the Central Kitchen and Masonic Park nursing home, and continue in other locations over the next two weeks.

NAPE has also launched a province wide advertising campaign, which the union says hasreceived significant attention.

"Following the budget, we immediately began to organize our efforts to fight back against this budget," saidEarle.

"The support for our advertising campaign, for what we have been saying in the media about the cuts and the impact on our rural communities, our provinces young, elderly and most vulnerable, and from our membership has been extraordinary."

Protests are planned forGamboApril 23,BonavistaApril 25, Bell Island April 26, Harbour GraceApril 27,WabushApril 29, Burin May 3and Grand Falls-Windsor May 4.