Posted by National Union of Public and General Employees

'They might as well rename the federal labour department the Ministry of Business.' - James Clancy, President of NUPGE

Ottawa (22 March 2007) - The defeat of federal anti-scab legislation (Bill C-257) is another example of politicians putting the interests of business ahead of working people, says James Clancy, president of the National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE).

"The scare tactics that were used to defeat this bill were completely unjustified," Clancy said.

"Really, this was a small, painless piece of legislation that would not have resulted in any of the frightening scenarios invoked by big business lobbyists to convince MPs to defeat it. In fact, it would have improved labour-management relations nationally by creating a better balance between employers and employees," Clancy argued. Recorded Vote in Commons

Clancy said the positive way that anti-scab legislation has worked over the years in two of Canada's biggest provinces - Quebec and British Columbia - is all the proof politicians should have needed to pass C-257.

Caving in to big business lobbyists

"If big business and anti-labour premiers like Jean Charest in Quebec and Gordon Campbell in B.C., don't have any problem with anti-scab legislation, there is certainly nothing to fear by politicians in Ottawa. They just caved in to big business lobbyists once again," he added.

"As this week's budget shows once again, when business barks, Ottawa jumps," he said. "As far as working Canadians are concerned, they might as well rename the federal labour department the 'Ministry of Business' and be done with it," he added.

Clancy said the setback will force the labour movement to regroup and start over again.

"We've done it before and we will do it again. One day anti-scab legislation will be passed by Parliament."

Bill C-257 was defeated 177-124 at third reading in the Commons Wednesday. The Liberal Party, which had voted for the bill previously, withdrew its formal support following second reading.

Clancy extended his thanks and appreciation to MPs who resisted heavy pressure from business lobbyists and voted in favour of the bill. The list included all NDP and Bloc MPs, plus a significant minority of Liberals. The latter group voted for the bill despite the formal opposition of Liberal Leader Stephane Dion.