Today, the Conservative government of Stephen Harper introduced legislation to deny 48,000 postal workers the basic democratic right to free collective bargaining. The law, which was introduced at the request of Canada Post management, contains arbitrary financial penalties to be applied against postal workers. It also provides for a process of final offer arbitration where the mandate of the arbitrator ensures that the process is bias towards the employer.
Even if a negotiated settlement is announced, the Conservatives have rigged this game completely. The outcome is now determined; there is nothing left for free collective bargaining to accomplish.
CUPW has a long and proud tradition of taking on key fights for Canadian labour and it finds itself once again at the centre of labour relations. But in spite of its legendary courage and militancy, this is bigger than the 50,000 members of CUPW. It is now the Canadian labour movement’s challenge to either be put in its place or to take its place and respond to Harper’s abuse of power.
Show your support at the Edmonton rally at noon at the downtown plant9808-103a Avenue.
