I do not support government’s approach to bargaining and Bill 148

The Liberal government has introduced and passed legislation that, when enacted, gives them the ability to force a wage pattern on more than 75,000 public sector workers, should any union signal they would like to exercise their right to arbitration.

First, this government took away the right to strike for thousands of health care workers. Now, they’re further tipping the scales in favour of the employer during the bargaining process.

Bill 148 means the government will impose legislation without having been to the table with thousands of NSGEU members, including workers from acute care, home support, group homes, long-term care, school boards and many more areas. None of these workers have had the chance to fully discuss issues of concern with their employers and never will, as a result of this legislation, because they’ve removed the core incentive for an employer to bargain: wages.

The government has be dishonest with Nova Scotians. They promised to protect full, free collective bargaining, and now, they have introduced legislation which does the opposite.

The Supreme Court of Canada has guaranteed that collective bargaining is a right protected by the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. Unions be challenging this in the courts.

Please take a moment and send a message to your MLA, the Minister of Labour, Minister of Finance and Premier.

Thank you for your time and support on this very important issue!

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