FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE NOVEMBER 3, 2000

Ontario’s proposed labour legislation nothing more than union busting

OTTAWA - "The Ontario Government’s introduction yesterday of new labour legislation is an outrageous attempt at union busting and a move to erode workers’ rights," says Nycole Turmel, National President of the Public Service Alliance of Canada.

"The PSAC will join with the Ontario Federation of Labour and all other unions to fight this regressive piece of legislation," adds Turmel. "If this attack on working people goes ahead in Ontario it will have serious ramifications across the country."

Calling it a support for big business, Gerry Halabecki, PSAC Regional Executive Vice-President for Ontario, says this move by the Harris Government is nothing more than an attempt to get rid of unions in the workplace and stop workers from organizing to improve their standard of living and job security.

"This provincial government, in its move to privatize public services, is playing into the hands of private-for-profit companies who want to provide workers with the minimum working standards and minimum wages. We have seen the impact of privatization of federal government services on our own membership. If it is war Mr. Harris wants, then we are prepared to jump into the battle," Halabecki says.

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For information:
Nancy Mitchell, PSAC Communications Officer 613-560-4235
Lois Ross, Coordinator, PSAC Communications & Political Action 613-560-4280
Gerry Halabecki, PSAC REVP, Ontario (416) 485-3558 Ext. 231

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