Protesting two anti-worker bills tabled by right-wing government of Premier Brad Wall
Regina (25 April 2008) - The Saskatchewan Government and General Employees' Union (SGEU/NUPGE) will hold a May Day rally at the Saskatchewan legislature next Thursday to protest Bills 5 and 6, anti-labour legislation introduced by the anti-worker administration of Premier Brad Wall.
The Saskatchewan Federation of Labour is also participating in the rally.
"The new Saskatchewan Party government has introduced two new bills that all SGEU members should be concerned about," SGEU says.
"Bill 5, the Essential Services Act, and Bill 6, amendments to the Trade Union Act, strengthen the hand of employers at the expense of workers and our unions. Bill 5 gives enormous powers to employers to designate which of its employees are essential while Bill 6 amends the Trade Union Act so that employers can more easily coerce their employees during organizing drives."
The union is urging members to make their voice heard because their future is at stake.
"You should know that future improvements in your quality of life are threatened by the provincial government's Bill 5," it warns. "It will make it much more difficult for your union to bargain better wages, benefits and working conditions for you and your co-workers.... SGEU will have less power to negotiate the positive changes you would like to see in your workplace."
The most heavy-handed aspect of Bill 5 would give employers unlimited rights to declare workers "essential" when no agreement can be worked out voluntarily with employee representatives.
"Those workers will lose their right to strike," SGEU says. "Virtually every SGEU member stands to lose. Bill 5 would cover workers in government departments, Crown corporations, agencies, boards and authorities, health care, education and community service agencies.
SGEU says such sweeping legislation is unnecessary because more than 90% of all collective agreements are settled without disruption and because unions have a history of responsible behaviour when disputes occur. NUPGE
More information:
? Rally notice - download and post - pdf
? Rally leaflet - download and distribute - pdf
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