The PCs caved in to employee wage demands for years. It was one of many irritants to blue Tories in the party that led to the Wildrose Party being formed. A grossly overpaid and overstaffed civil service is easier for the general public to overlook when oil royalty revenue is sufficient to cover up the blunder. When the money stopped rolling in someone had to make the tough call and roll wages and headcount back. Had Notley been adult enough to make that call she probably would have been rewarded with multiple terms in government. As it turns out she will be a one term wonder.