The Newfoundland and Labrador Federation of Labour believes actions from labour leaders will “escalate” across the country over the next few weeks as Bill C-39 makes its way through Parliament.
One aspect of that legislation has drawn the ire of those involved in the labour movement, which would give a single minister the authority to end a legal strike if it is determined that it could “adversely affect the national interest.”
President Jessica McCormick says she has requested a meeting with all provincial MPs about the bill.
She has one set up with Cape Spear-Mount Pearl-Paradise MP Tom Osborne this week, and has already met with Labrador MP Phillip Earle.
(Photo via CUPE)
She says Earle represents thousands of steel workers in his riding, and that they had a very “frank” discussion about their concerns, which he committed to bringing back to caucus.
McCormick, meanwhile, is critical of MP Joanne Thompson.
“I’m particularly disappointed, as I have been over the past four years that I’ve been in this role, that Joanne Thompson hasn’t been willing to meet with the Federation of Labour and meet with union representatives in the province. I did take note of the fact that she was standing alongside the minister when they announced this legislation just a couple of weeks ago, and I think it’s very important for her to hear from her constituents about the concerns that we have. This affects some workers in the federal public sector, but any limitations on the right to strike ultimately will impact all workers in the province, and we expect our MPs to listen to their constituents.”
