sentences:  Privatization by the government continued in many departments, although AUPE succeeded in fighting off a plan to privatize provincial jails.The government took advantage of AUPE's weakened condition, opening bargaining in 1994 by announcing across-the-board cutbacks of five percent in the government service, plus boards and agencies that depended on government for funding.After an extended campaign, AUPE ratified agreements containing cutbacks in the order of 2.3 percent, with the remainder taken in days off and holidays.