HSABC welcomes talks on Supreme Court labour rights ruling

Liberal government of Premier Gordon Campbell given one year to amend unconstitutional sections of Bill 29

 Vancouver (9 August 2007) - The Health Sciences Association of British Columbia (HSABC/NUPGE) has welcomed news that the province will begin discussions to deal with the June 8 Supreme Court of Canada decision striking down controversial provisions in Bill 29.

The legislation, arbitrarily restricting the bargaining rights of health care workers, was pushed through the legislature five years ago by the Liberal government of Premier Gordon Campbell.

“The highest court in Canada gave the government a year to address the ruling," says HSABC president Reid Johnson.

"HSABC sees the appointment of associate deputy minister Paul Straszak, to steer those talks, as a positive sign that government is prepared to enter into a constructive process to respect the ruling,” Johnson says.

“I look forward to entering into a constructive discussion on behalf of HSA members to address the delivery of quality health care and social services in a respectful and cooperative labour relations climate,” Johnson says.

Bill 29 removed key negotiated provisions from the contracts of health and community social service workers, eliminating job security and clearing the way for mass layoffs and contracting out.

HSABC represents 15,000 health science professionals working in health care and community social services across British Columbia. NUPGE

Supreme Court Decision:

• Supreme Court of Canada affirms labour rights are human rights
• Complete Text: Supreme Court of Canada decision
• NUPGE labour rights page

More information:

• UN agency condemns violations by B.C. Liberals
• B.C. unions lose provincial court challenge
• B.C. unions will appeal to Supreme Court of Canada
• Full Text: Court of Appeal of British Columbia

Background materials (B.C.)

• The ILO's full decision on case #2324 against the B.C. government pdf
• The ILO's recommendations from case #2324 against the B.C. government pdf
• Summary of B.C. legislation restricting collective bargaining and trade union rights pdf
• Statement by Ulf Edstrom of the ILO committee of freedom of association pdf