Monday, October 10, 2011

Harper's War on Universal Human Rights Continues

It's Air Canada again.  This time it's the 6,800 flight attendants who have voted down an offer from the airline and will be in a legal strike position on Thursday.

It wasn't long after the flight attendants' Sunday vote that a spokesperson for LabourMin Lisa Raitt began sending out e-mails warning the Harper government won't tolerate a lengthy work stoppage.

"We will be clear that a work stoppage is unacceptable in this time of fragile economy," said Ashley Kelehear in the email.


About 65 per cent of employees who cast a ballot voted against the contract.

Raitt made it clear during the negotiation process that she was ready and willing to introduce back-to-work legislation if the two sides were unable to make a deal by the deadline.

She even had the legislation prepared ahead of time, though it was never used because the negotiators managed to settle on an agreement just hours before the deadline was reached.

Now that members have rejected that deal, Raitt will likely bring back the legislation if employees walk off the job.

That is Harper's notion of collective bargaining.   Before negotiations even conclude the government loads a "back to work" round in the chamber.  And it's all done on the flimsy claim that a strike by flight attendants would cripple the fragile Canadian economy.   Couldn't they at least have said the cabin crews were concealing WMDs?  But that's what happens when you have authoritarian rule.  They don't even try to lie convincingly.
And there's a clear pattern here.  Harper will not abide strike action in sectors falling under federal jurisdiction.  And by repeatedly and consistently siding on behalf of employers against labour, Harper is flagrantly violating the Universal Declaration of Human Rights under which Canada, as a signatory, guarantees the right to collective bargaining.   Apparently being a human rights violator doesn't cut much ice with lardass Steve.

9 comments:

Skinny Dipper said...

Unfortunately, I don't think the flight attendants will get active support from the NDP as CUPE and the Air Canada management did come to an agreement. The NDP will not delay back-to-work legislation because CUPE negotiators did come to an agreement with management.

Annie said...

Doesn't Harper have a big wig friend in Air Canada .... Conflict of Interest ?

Anonymous said...

Why didn't anyone question AC's imposing a pay per bag fee on flights to the US.? It seems to me that those introductions of hefty increases will affect my economy

Anonymous said...

After learning Harper was a neo Nazi in 1989, his personality now makes sense.

People should fly with West Jet, especially if Harper has shares in Air Canada.

Anonymous said...

I haven't flown Air Canada since 1999 with darn good reason. I will never fly with them again. I'd walk first.

Anonymous said...

This is off topic but thought you and your readers might like to look at this: Korea Herald 10-12-2011 Anyong

The government proposed on Wednesday tax cuts worth up to 4.2 million won ($3,600) for purchasers of electric vehicles, as part of its bid for next-generation transportation that is convenient, affordable and energy-efficient.

Starting next year, all electric car buyers will receive a 5-percent reduction in the special consumption tax, which also covers the education tax, a 7-percent cut in acquisition tax and an additional discount of up to 20 percent on automobile bond purchase, according to the Ministry of Knowledge Economy.

“The decision is aimed at securing consistency in the tax regime by setting up standards of electric cars and their fuel efficiency,” the ministry said in a statement.

“The government will continue adjusting and improving its policy to be relevant to the advancement of related technologies, given the need for the wider distribution of electric cars.”

LeDaro said...

Mound bro, you have not posted for few days. I hope you're doing well.

The Mound of Sound said...

Hi, LD. I'm fine, thanks. Actually I've been using this time to explore what may be the real significance of the OWS movement and how it might impact, blessedly, on Western governments including our own.

Cheers

LeDaro said...

Glad to know that you’re doing well.

OWS is indeed an interesting movement. It has taken North America by surprise and may spread into Europe as it has already quit heated up in Greece as far as demonstrations are concerned. The very rich had started feeling too comfortable and were enjoying their exploitation of the vast majorities.

I will be looking forward to reading your take on it.