FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 30, 2001

Anti-terrorism law could mean surveillance of union activities

The federal government’s anti-terrorism legislation (Bill C-36) could mean authorities will be able to snoop on trade union activities, says the Ontario Public Service Employees’ Union (OPSEU).

“Union activists and their families had better beware, ” said OPSEU President Leah Casselman. “This federal law could allow governments to spy on organizations engaged in legitimate union business.”

Casselman said the planned law would allow government surveillance of union members’ activities including picket lines, fax, e-mail, telephone and web site communications. Friends and families of union members should also be aware their communications could be monitored.

OPSEU’s Provincial Human Rights Committee tabled an emergency motion to this effect to the National Union of Public and Government Employees (NUPGE) today.

The Union asked for amendments to Bill C-36 so it could not be used against Canadians who participate in demonstrations, strikes, or political or institutional dissent, or to gut our protection of privacy and freedom of information laws.

Remembering the excesses of the War Measures Act in 1970, the union signaled the importance of maintaining our civil liberties, particularly for members of unions and of minority groups. “Hundreds of trade unionists then engaged in legitimate union activities were sent to jail without charges ever being laid. We have no wish to revisit that experience,” Casselman said.

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For more information, contact:

David Cox, OPSEU Communications : 416-443-8888 x 314