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Canada’s Supreme Court Rules in Favor of Collective Bargaining

Labour was victorious in June, when the Supreme Court of Canada ruled that the right to collectively bargain is protected by the Charter of Rights.  In doing so, the Court struck down the British Columbia Health and Social Services Improvement Act, which allowed work to be contracted out to avoid the collective bargaining process.  “This is an important step forward for all Canadians, but particularly those workers and members in B.C., who were adversely impacted by the Act,” says IU Canada Regional Director Fred Vautour. In their decision, the judges noted, “The right to bargain collectively with an employer enhances the human dignity, liberty and autonomy of workers by giving them the opportunity to influence the establishment of workplace rules and thereby gain some control over a major aspect of their lives, namely their work.”

To read the full decision, go to “Canadian News” at www.bacweb.org/aboutus/Canada.htm.