06) C-377 BACK FROM THE GRAVE

 

People's Voice Editorial

 

            Over a year ago, trade unionists heaved a sigh of relief when 16 Conservative senators helped kill Bill C-377. Sponsored by Tory MP Russ Hiebert, with the support of PM Harper, the private member's bill required unions to publicly disclose any spending of $5,000 or more and any salary of more than $100,000. Together with other onerous provisions, C-377 aimed at making it nearly impossible for the labour movement to effectively act on behalf of the interests of union members.

 

            The leader of the Senate revolt was Hugh Segal, who called C-377 "badly drafted, flawed, unconstitutional and technically incompetent" legislation. Segal and his colleagues amended the bill by raising the spending disclosure threshold to $150,000 and the salary threshold to $444,000. Parliament was prorogued before the House of Commons could debate the amendments, and the legislation died.

 

            But not forever. Segal has unfortunately retired to Massey College, and this dangerous legislation has returned in its original form. Back under Harper's thumb, Tory senators have reduced debate on private members' business, just as C-377 climbs out of the grave.

 

            This legislation infringes on provincial jurisdiction over labour issues, violates charter guarantees of freedom of speech and association, and invades privacy rights. None of that matters to the Harper government, which specialises in violating human rights. But it should matter to everyone who supports the rights of trade unions to bargain collectively and to defend the broader interests of working people.

 

            The Canadian Labour Congress is also warning against Bill C‑525, which makes it harder for federally regulated workers to join a union and easier to decertify a union. Mass mobilization is needed to resist this assault. The Sept. 20 rally by over 50,000 people in Montreal to defend municipal workers pensions shows what can and must be done!

 

(The above article is from the October 1-15, 2014, issue of People's Voice, Canada's leading socialist newspaper. Articles can be reprinted free if the source is credited. Subscription rates in Canada: $30/year, or $15 low income rate; for U.S. readers - $45 US per year; other overseas readers - $45 US or $50 CDN per year. Send to People's Voice, c/o PV Business Manager, 706 Clark Drive, Vancouver, BC, V5L 3J1.)