Implications of this legislation on trade unions and trade union movement
Unions are the heart of democracy! As far as Putting the Students First Act, Bill 115, 2012 is concerned, and it's affects on trade unions and the trade union movement, people should consider what type of future prosperity they want for their children and for themselves? One floating on a never ending sea of poverty dictated by governments of Capitalist greed? Unions promote benefits and well being! Collective bargaining deserves to follow basic human rights! Education for the future of our children and those youth who soon will also grow up to be teachers, Members of Parliament, union members, leaders and directors, positive contributors to the community in Ontario cannot be found in a society that does not promote solidarity!
By repelling Bill 115, the Provincial Government is still imposing on Collective Bargaining. Bill 115 has granted the Minister of Education the power to take away many of the usual avenues in the bargaining process, such as the right to strike, seeking arbitration or appealing to the Labour Relations Board. It is an aggressive move that has not worked, but only inflamed relations with teachers in Ontario.
By imposing such an infringement on the rights of members of the Teachers Union, the government in Ontario has lost trust and credibility from other unions, such as Trade Unions. How can bargaining with employers on behalf of the Teacher's Union members work when bargaining rights have been removed? It is directly in conflict with the Charter of Rights and Freedoms! The Ontario Government knew this was an infringement, they premeditated all of the potential actions the union would have the right to make, and passed an aggressive Bill that tied their hands and made all enquiries impossible by the Ontario Relations Board.; no arbitration boards, none of the terms or conditions in a collective act under the agreement