TYRLC: Labour Minister Steven MacKinnon Once Again Disrespects Workers’ Rights and Undermines Canada

Article content

TORONTO, Dec. 14, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — On Friday morning, instead of ordering Canada Post to offer workers a fair deal, Labor Minister Stephen MacKinnon invoked Section 107 of the Canada Labor Code to unconstitutionally order more than 55,000 postal workers back to their jobs. . a job.

Article content

Article content

“The MacKinnon-Trudeau Liberal government continues to disrespect workers and disrespect our democracy,” said Andrea Babington, president of the Toronto and York Region Labor Council.

Historically, back-to-work legislation to end labor disputes has at least required a vote in Parliament, rather than a simple ministerial order. Friday morning’s decision continues a two-year pattern of Liberal labor ministers using Section 107 of the Canada Labor Code to end work stoppages at railways, airlines and now Canada Post. Postal workers are members of the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW).

Article content

“Canada Post, like many employers across the country, knew the government would intervene on their behalf. They had no intention of ending the strike by offering postal workers a fair deal,” Babington said.

In his remarks Friday, MacKinnon acknowledged that Canada Post is a vital public service that connects Canadians from coast to coast to coast. “So why disrespect postal workers by denying them the right to win a fair contract?” Babington asked.

The right to strike is enshrined in the Canadian Constitution. The strikes have resulted in workers winning weekends off, increased wages, workplace safety protocols, and much more. In fact, it was the 42-day CUPW strike in 1981 that granted maternity leave to postal workers, paving the way for female workers across the country.

“The Liberal government’s excessive interventions have allowed businesses to continue to make a profit and prevented workers from winning the contracts they deserve,” Babington said. “They do not respect workers, and they do not respect Canadian democracy. Our members will continue their advocacy to demand positive policy solutions.”

Article content

“We’re proud of the postal workers who have stayed in line this long and I want them to know that the entire labor movement is behind them. Because when one of us wins, we all win together,” Babington said.

“If necessary, we are ready to take this fight in the streets to support postal workers — just as we did in 2018,” Babington warned.

Media Contact:
Priya John
Events Coordinator, Toronto and York Region Labor Council
phone: 4168760856
Email: bjohn@labourcouncil.ca

About the Toronto and York Region Labor Council:
The Toronto and York Region Labor Council represents more than 200,000 workers from diverse sectors across the Toronto region. Committed to the fight for economic, social, racial and climate justice, the Council works tirelessly to create a just and equitable future for all.

Article content