Canadian govt to end postal strike by law

[TrueBlueTerrier]

http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/world/2011 ... 714732.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

OTTAWA - The Canadian government served notice Wednesday that it plans to introduce back-to-work legislation by the end of next week aimed at ending the strike and lockout of the country's 55,000 postal workers, which has disrupted service since June 3.

The government will have to extend this month's sitting of parliament by at least another week. Labour Minister Lisa Raitt said Wednesday the government would make parliament sit until the back-to-work law is passed.

The work stoppage began as rotating one-day strikes in many selected cities. Late Tuesday night, Canada Post, the government-owned mail service, locked out all of its employees until they agree on a deal or are forced back to work by the government.

The new law would impose an arbitrated settlement. The union representing postal workers and Canada Post could still make a deal on their own before the law is passed. On Tuesday, the head of the post office invited the president of the union to the bargaining table.

Raitt announced her intentions in the House of Commons Wednesday.

"Canada Post and the union have been unable to reach a negotiated settlement, which is a great disappointment for us because of the effect it has on Canadians and on the Canadian economy," she said. "As a result, we will be putting on notice legislation to restore mail delivery service for Canadians."

Raitt said the government has no options other than ending the strike. "We have two parties at the table who have been trying to negotiate a collective agreement for a very long period of time. They are unable to reach that agreement by themselves, even though they have had ample opportunity to do so and much support from the government and from Labor Canada in terms of having to reach an agreement."

Canada Post, which made 250 million Canadian dollars ($254 million) in profits for the government last year, claims to have lost 100 million Canadian dollars ($102 million) since rotating one-day strikes began.

Jack Layton, leader of the pro-union New Democratic Party, said the government was to blame for the shutting down of the postal system.

"It' s very disturbing to see a government shut down our postal service," Layton said. "At least they're standing by while their Crown corporation does that. We think that's wrong."

"These things should be resolved at the bargaining table," Layton said.

Yves Godin, the NDP labor critic, said his party would use parliamentary tactics to try to stall the bill, along with another proposed law that would force striking Air Canada ticket agents and baggage handlers to return to work.

Bob Rae, leader of the Liberal Party, said he would also try to delay the law and would vote against it.

Canada Post says it will protect the income and pensions of current employees, but wants new employees to accept less money and lower pensions and benefits.

[fishtank]

Quality..
Change the law to break a lawful strike.
Coming to a country near you soon.
Has Thatcher been in Canada lately?

[Danelectro]

Has Thatcher been in Canada lately?

More likely Vince Cable? :vcfo