Back to work legislation has now been tabled in the House of Commons to end the postal dispute, but don’t expect an immediate end.
Labour Minister Patty Hajdu insists there should be time for both sides to settle the dispute at the negotiating table.
“We believe in the collective bargaining process. Negotiated agreements are always the best solution. We would not come down this road, however, we have exhausted every option,” says Hadju.
The labour minister believes a deal in the dispute is still possible but adds with people and businesses starting to feel the effects of rotating strikes, the government has no choice but to act.
“The reality is that if the strikes are left to continue through the holiday season, they would create significant hardship. That means job losses and fewer hours for Canadians who count on the extra money to get by,” says Hadju.
The Canadian Union of Postal Workers President Mike Palecek says the legislation will have serious long-term impacts on the work environment and on labour relations.
(Photo courtesy ParlVu)
