FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE June 25, 2002
OPSEU calls for return of no-scab law
TORONTO – Ontario Public Service Employees Union President Leah Casselman has denounced truck manufacturer Navistar for bringing scab labour into its strike-bound Chatham plant, and the Conservative government’s labour law changes which permit use of replacement workers.
“Earlier Ontario governments outlawed replacement workers because violence on picket lines jeopardized the safety of workers exercising their legal rights,” Casselman said. “The Tory’s repeal of that law has returned violence to picket lines.”
“It’s not good enough for a company spokesperson to regret what happened while a worker is fighting for his life after being struck by a van carrying scabs,” an angry Casselman said.
“My union completely supports the Canadian Auto Workers on this question. You can’t threaten people’s livelihood by bringing in scab labour without asking for confrontation.”
She urged the government to bring back the legislation that barred the use of replacement workers during legal strikes or lockouts. “The government has a responsibility to ensure that the working environment in this province – and that includes the legislative framework – does not harm the citizens who do the work.”
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For further information:
Katie FitzRandolph: 416-448-7440 or cell 416-788-9057 or kfitzrandolph@opseu.org
Randy Robinson: 416-448-7441 or cell 416-788-9134 or rrobinson@opseu.org
David Cox: 416-443-8888 (ext 314) or cell 416-788-9197 or dcox@opseu.org
