Labour Day 2008: A time to reflect as the struggle continues

Labour Day 2008 is an occasion for all workers to celebrate recent victories and to plan for the future, says James Clancy, president of the 340,000-member National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE).

Ottawa (28 Aug. 2008) - "We have come through some difficult trials," Clancy says. “Over the past couple of decades governments across Canada have waged an unrelenting attack on the fundamental human rights of workers, and they continue to pass legislation that violates or negates negotiated collective agreements,” he notes.

NUPGE has documented more than 175 cases of legislation enacted since 1982 to deny or undermine labour rights in Canada.

"This is not merely unacceptable, it is a violation of Canada's obligations to the United Nations,” Clancy says.

Most recently, the newly-elected Saskatchewan government passed two pieces of legislation (Bill 5 and 6) that violate the right of workers to bargain collectively and to organize new unions, contrary to the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms and international conventions protecting workers' basic rights.

Labour rights ARE human rights

However, there is also good news to celebrate for Labour Day 2008.

The historic Supreme Court of Canada decision in June 2007, recognizing collective bargaining as a human right protected by the 1982 Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
The decision by Ontario's Liberal government to extend collective bargaining rights for part-time college staff.
The first-ever collective bargaining agreement to apply to seasonal migrant agricultural workers in Canada was overwhelmingly ratified by workers at Mayfair Farms, a fruit and vegetable producer in Portage la Prairie, Manitoba.
The eight workers at a Tire and Lube Express outlet in Gatineau, across the Ottawa River from Parliament Hill, became the first Wal-Mart employees in North America with a legal union contract.

"These are all breakthrough events that enhance fundamental Canadian values such as equality, dignity and democracy," Clancy says.

Attitudes are also shifting among workers themselves, he notes.

“Surveys show that more and more workers want to join a union. They are coming to see the importance of the trade union movement in achieving a fair and just workplace and country."

Much work still lies ahead

However, Clancy cautions that there is no room for complacency.

“While there are victories to celebrate, the actions of the Brad Wall government in Saskatchewan demonstrate that we must remain vigilant."

Looking ahead, the labour movement in Canada must develop a strategic approach to build on the Supreme Court ruling and other positive developments, Clancy argues. Specifically, he recommends:

Coordinating efforts to ensure that the legal ramifications flowing from the ruling favour families over employers;
Developing an outreach and organizing plan to encourage workers to exercise their constitutional right to form unions and bargain collectively; and,
Engaging in political action to elect governments willing to champion the interests of working families.

“So enjoy your Labour Day with family and friends but remember - the struggle continues," Clancy says. NUPGE