Just say no to scab labour
Legislation to block the use of replacement workers during strikes and lockouts for workplaces under the jurisdiction of the Canada Labour Code has passed first and second readings in the House of Commons.
It has now been referred to committee for review. In order to get to this stage, the proposed legislation required the support of MPs from all parties, for which Canadian workers thank them.
The use of replacement workers increases the length of strikes and lockouts. In 1977, the province of Quebec implemented anti-scab legislation and has seen an increase in workplace stability.
The average number of working days lost to strikes dropped to about 15 days from 39 days in 1976, which is less than half the amount lost under the Canada Labour Code.
Lengthy strikes have a large cost physically, mentally and emotionally for the workers, their families and their communities.
Working families suffered greatly when scab labour was used at Giant Mine, Telus, Videotron, Secur, Ekati, and the CBC under federal rules.
For months they lived on meager strike pay, watching their families and relationships fall apart under the stress, while management rejected serious negotiations and brought busloads of people through picket lines.
The strike at Giant Mine, more than 10 years ago, caused a rift in the Yellowknife community that has still not healed to this day.
The removal of their services is the only real leverage that workers have when in negotiation with their employers.
The use of replacement workers effectively removes that leverage and leaves workers in a position of disadvantage at the bargaining table, and strikes or lockouts.
We hope that the committee sees fit mitigate the disastrous effects on the community by leveling the playing field for workers.
Rick Grant, president, PSAC Yukon Area Council
Put business first
I hope you are happy!
You went on and on about a cookhouse on the Bonnet Plume River.
It may very well be you end up destroying the livelihood of another small business.
Archie Lang has an interest in an outfitting business. That makes all outfitters dishonest and untruthful?
When the cabin is burned, you will have only yourselves to blame.
I am not an admirer of this government (I ran against it) and I still do not hold with its treatment of small business, but you started this by driving a snow blower into the manure pile.
You will get your wish. Soon there will be no lodge there, and another small business bites the dust. I hope you are proud of yourselves.
Dale Worsfold
Watson Lake