Charter case filed by SFL against Bills 5 & 6 in Saskatchewan

'The government cannot justify this rolling back of workers’ rights.' - Larry Hubich

Regina (31 July 2008) - The Saskatchewan Federation of Labour (SFL) filed a statement of claim with the Court of Queen’s Bench, launching a constitutional challenge to Bills 5 and 6.

Along with 18 of the unions it represents, the SFL asked the court Tuesday to strike down both laws, pushed through the legislature by Premier Brad Wall as the top priority of his new right-wing Saskatchewan Party government.

Among the unions joining the challenge is the Saskatchewan Government and General Employees' Union (SGEU/NUPGE). More labour groups are expected to add their names as the case proceeds.

The bills were passed last spring amid protest from workers and unions across the province. Union leaders argue that the measures violate the right of workers to bargain collectively and to organize new unions, contrary to the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. The laws also violate international conventions protecting workers, the SFL says.

“Bills 5 and 6 reverse a 65-year history in our province of recognizing and expanding workers’ rights to organize in order to secure safe working conditions and decent wages and benefits. The government cannot justify this rolling back of workers’ rights,” says SFL president Larry Hubich.

“In a world where corporate profits soar and income gaps and wage inequality are widening at an alarming rate, workers need - now more than ever - the ability to collectively bargain and to join unions. The labour movement is clear - we have no choice but to stand up for workers and to defend their right to free collective bargaining,” adds Hubich.

The SFL represents nearly 95,000 unionized workers from 37 affiliated unions in Saskatchewan. NUPGE