The Federation of Labour is standing in solidarity with CUPE Ontario School Boards Council of Unions members who are fighting against what they call “draconian” legislation tabled by Premier Doug Ford’s government.

The Ontario government is threatening education workers in that province with heavy fines if they walk out on strike.

The 55,000 workers are in a strike position, but the province’s Keeping Students in Class Act enforces a fine of up to $4,000 dollars a day per person, or $500,000 dollars for the union.

Ontario Education Minister Stephen Lecce tabled the legislation this week to terminate a strike and impose a four-year collective agreement on CUPE.

NL Federation of Labour President Mary Shortall says the use of the notwithstanding clause to override collective bargaining rights is “unprecedented” calling it an attack on all workers across Canada.

The NL NDP Caucus meanwhile has written CUPE education workers in Ontario in support. Jim Dinn, the former leader of the NLTA, calls the Ontario government’s political maneuver “unacceptable” and “an attack on all workers’ bargaining rights.”