Back to show off my new project! Iβve decided to add a little video store corner in my home and have been having a fantastic time putting together, from tracking down VHS tapes either from my parentsβ attic or eBay, and even buying a little magazine rack. This new fixture is a pure source of joy.
They were in negotiations with the Ontario Government over their contracts; the average salary is $39000, and they were offering only 2% increases for those making under 40k, and 1.25% for those making 40k+. In the province with one of the highest cost of living, these are poverty wages, and didnβt even match pre-pandemic inflation. So the union voted against it
Fordβs conservative government, in response, passed Bill 28, a bill that makes it illegal for CUPE employees in education to strike and forcing this contract on them.
This bill in itself is unconstitutional, but there is a clause in the Canadian constitution, put in place so Quebec would accept it back when it was drafted, that allows provinces to pass unconstitutional bills that are automatically revoked after a few yearsβ¦ Unless itβs passed again.
This is the same clause used in Quebec to enforce their language acts, as well as the bill that prevents all public service employees from wearing religious garb.
So in response, the union is going to strike, regardless of the law and the potential consequences, indefinitely. It is a very important strike, both for the union employees but also all Canadian labour. I wish the nothing but luck and success.
