Ian Froese

As the Progressive Conservatives made an election promise Wednesday to appease green thumbs, some striking public-sector workers sprouted up in protest.&nbsp;

On the front lawn of a west Winnipeg home, nestled beside a blue spruce, the Tories announced they would remove the provincial sales tax from the sale of trees, shrubs, house plants, flower plants, seeds and bulbs, if they're elected on Oct. 3.

Seine River candidate Janice Morley-Lecomte said she anticipates the move would bring more business to landscape and garden centres.

"Like most Manitobans who enjoy planting in the spring, it is a great time, and it will offer great incentive for themselves, so that they're able to just, you know, make it more affordable to continue to garden."

The province expects to lose&nbsp;$750,000 in tax revenue as a result.

Striking protesters stand on the street, wearing matching black shirts and carrying signs.

Striking MGEU workers stand on the street outside the Progressive Conservative announcement on Jewett Bay in west Winnipeg. They say the PC government has refused to negotiate with them.

striking MGEU workers

While Morley-Lecomte answered&nbsp;media questions, striking Manitoba Government and General Employees' Union members stood on the street and&nbsp;chanted, "Where is Heather?"

The 10 workers wore signs disputing a PC campaign tagline that says the Tories are "fighting for bigger paycheques," writing&nbsp;instead that the PCs are "fighting workers for smaller paycheques."&nbsp;

PC Leader Heather Stefanson was not at the event.

This was the second Tory announcement this week where striking public-sector workers have tried to drown out the politicians.

MGEU's members at Manitoba Public Insurance and the Manitoba land titles office&nbsp;are currently off the job. Wages are a main sticking point in their respective labour disputes.

Hundreds at rally call for higher wages for striking workers at MPI, Manitoba land titles office

Hundreds of public service workers and their supporters rallied on the steps of the legislature on Wednesday to repeat calls for better wages for Manitoba Public Insurance workers who went on strike this week, as well as striking land titles office workers.

Crowds gather on the steps of a government legislature as part of an ongoing strike.

Crowds packed the stairs that lead up to the Manitoba Legislature on Wednesday in ongoing calls for better wages for workers, including those who went on strike with Manitoba Public Insurance early this week.

MGEU strike on steps of Manitoba Legislature

A long row of people arrive at a government building as part of a strike.

A long row of people arrive at the Manitoba Legislature Wednesday to participate in a rally for MPI and other striking public service workers.

Strike at Manitoba Legislature for MPI workers

Janice Morley-Lecomte, the Progressive Conservative candidate in Seine River, announces a re-elected Tory government would make the sale of trees and flowers exempt from the provincial sales tax. 

Tories satisfy green thumbs with PST removal, annoy striking public-sector workers

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