If you’re keeping score in national politics, mark up a quick and inexpensive point for the Conservative government, and on the labour front of all things.
Last week’s tentative settlement of the Air Canada strike came as the "strong, stable majority government" was about to end it with a crude but effective measure: back-to-work legislation. It didn’t even have to pass the bill; just waving it around brought the Canadian Auto Workers union to heel.
Simultaneously, back-to-work orders were being drawn up to end the work stoppage at Canada Post. The government argued a prolonged strike-lockout would harm economic recovery, unlikely as that is in this digital age.
The labour moves kept the sun shining on Stephen Harper, who seized a golden political opportunity from the disputes at two unpopular corporations with historic government ties. At almost no risk, he could appear decisive while also undermining key federal NDP supporters.
Moving to impose labour peace offered the Harper government the chance to show leadership against a poorly supported foe. Who even cares what the disputes are about? It’s not like big unions are a Tory constituency. What was ignored was the fact that both corporations are grappling with long-term structural problems relating to pensions and the aging workforce.
Full Article
Source: The Chronicle Herald
Last week’s tentative settlement of the Air Canada strike came as the "strong, stable majority government" was about to end it with a crude but effective measure: back-to-work legislation. It didn’t even have to pass the bill; just waving it around brought the Canadian Auto Workers union to heel.
Simultaneously, back-to-work orders were being drawn up to end the work stoppage at Canada Post. The government argued a prolonged strike-lockout would harm economic recovery, unlikely as that is in this digital age.
The labour moves kept the sun shining on Stephen Harper, who seized a golden political opportunity from the disputes at two unpopular corporations with historic government ties. At almost no risk, he could appear decisive while also undermining key federal NDP supporters.
Moving to impose labour peace offered the Harper government the chance to show leadership against a poorly supported foe. Who even cares what the disputes are about? It’s not like big unions are a Tory constituency. What was ignored was the fact that both corporations are grappling with long-term structural problems relating to pensions and the aging workforce.
Full Article
Source: The Chronicle Herald
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