Ottawa must pressure provinces to honour ILO standards

Ed Broadbent to make International Labour Organization (ILO) violations an issue in Parliament if elected in Ottawa Centre Ottawa - Ed Broadbent says it's time for the Canadian government to confront provinces that violate international labour standards Canada has pledged to respect. The former leader of the New Democratic Party, running in the June 28 federal election as a candidate in Ottawa Centre, says he will push Ottawa to confront provinces that ignore or trample ILO standards affecting workers and collective bargaining rights.

Former NDP Leader Ed Broadbent

Based in Geneva, the ILO is an agency of the United Nations.

The UN convention of the ILO — # 87 - Freedom of Association and Protection of the Right to Organize Convention (1948) — was signed by Canada and all 10 provinces in 1972. It applies to all levels of government within the country.

The National Union has filed a series of complaints against Ontario, British Columbia and Newfoundland for violating International Labour Organization (ILO) standards that Canada has agreed as a country to uphold. Decisions are pending.

Blunt denunciation of B.C. Liberals

In the case of B.C., it is the second complaint filed by NUPGE since Gordon Campbell's Liberal government came to power in 2001. An earlier complaint was upheld by the ILO in 2003.

In the first case, the ILO ruled in uncharacteristically blunt language that Campbell repeatedly violated the rights of thousands of provincial employees by refusing to negotiate contracts with their unions, and by using the legislature to arbitrarily enforce its will.

"When a state decides to become a member of the ILO, it accepts the fundamental principles of freedom of association ... and all governments are obliged to respect fully the commitments undertaken by ratification of ILO conventions," the ILO said in ruling against the Campbell government.

Broadbent says it's time for Ottawa to stop turning a blind eye to such flagrant abuses by the provinces.

"The federal minister of labour should be forcefully reminding our provincial governments of their obligations under the ILO to bargain in good faith and then keep their contracts once they are made. Just look what's going on in Newfoundland and British Columbia. It's unacceptable," he told NUPGE.

Whistleblower legislation

Broadbent also said he will make it a priority to press for the reintroduction and strengthening of whistleblower legislation, which died on the order paper when Parliament was dissolved for the election.

The Canadian Democracy and Corporate Accountability Commission, which Broadbent co-chaired, recommended in 2002 that Canada adopt strong whistleblower legislation. Its report included the following recommendation:

"Canadian governments should introduce laws protecting employees from discharge, suspension, demotion, harassment, blacklisting, or other adverse employment action taken against an employee for the disclosure of alleged criminal or fraudulent acts committed by their employers, in the public or private sector."

Broadbent said he will be a strong advocate of public sector matters in general if he returns to Parliament as the MP for Ottawa Centre.

"In Ottawa of all places, we need an MP and party who recognize that public work is a public good," he said. "Those who drive our buses, provide health care for the sick, clean our parks, teach our kids and work in government offices in Ottawa are important to the well-being of Canada."

More information:
• Sweeping ILO ruling slams actions of B.C. Liberals
• NUPGE seeks ILO investigation of B.C. and Ontario
• Complaint alleges Newfoundland violated ILO standards
• ILO Governing Body (Sections No. 239 to  No. 305) pdf file
• ILO Backgrounder - NUPGE pdf file
• NUPGE and components call for special ILO mission to B.C.
• NUPGE files more complaints against B.C. Liberals

Web posted by NUPGE: 4 June 2004

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