Hudak's so-called Flexible Labour Markets white paper is a scam - PSAC

The Ontario Conservative so-called Flexible Labour Markets white paper is a scam. Rather than getting tough on foreign corporations who exploit Canadian workers and resouces Tim Hudak's plan is to side with the CEO's to slash wages and lower the quality of life of the working families in this province.

PHOTO CREDIT - Jason Setnyk, OurHometown.ca

Cornwall - July 4, 2012 - The Ontario Conservative so-called Flexible Labour Markets white paper is a scam.

It takes a lot of courage for workers to organize a union. Usually, the employer uses all kinds of tactics and strategies to try and persuade their workers not to join. People who oppose unions are not forced to join the union or sign membership cards. If union wins a wage increase, it goes to every worker, not only those that pay dues. Union speaks for all working people not just its due-paying members. If the union negotiates other benefits such as vacation, entitled leave or job security, the same holds true.

People pay municipal, provincial and federal taxes whether or not they voted for the person or political party in office. You get your street cleaned, the protection of fire and police department, the protection of federal laws and agencies because you pay for them. You simply cannot opt-out.

Rather than getting tough on foreign corporations who exploit Canadian workers and resources Tim Hudak's plan is to side with the CEO's to slash wages and lower the quality of life of the working families in this province.

Unions help workers resist this power grab by fighting the employer's demand for concessions and ensuring that workers are paid fairly for their labour. Unions' wage and benefit demands may seem high at times, but generally workers' wages don't keep up with the cost of living. Society needs checks and balances, unions do fulfill that important role.

Union membership is declining world-wide, so does the purchasing power of the average citizens. The reality is that we are confronted by large multinational corporations and a more vocal and radical political right. The major electronic and print media in the country are owned by the corporations - the very entities which hold unfavourable views toward the labour movement.

Now, the Conservative provincial leader is trying to attack the workers themselves. His grand plan would allow employers to drive down wages and working conditions to move production to low-wage states, and would strip workers of the democratic ability to bargain collectively with their employer.

In fact, the myths we hear about Unions are attempts by people who don't have real information to explain things they cannot - or will not - try to understand.

PSAC Ontario Eastern Regional, President
Mario Leclerc