Machinists Issue Court Challenge to Bill C-33!
Monday April 2, 2012
For Immediate Release
Toronto, ON – The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers announced today it has launched a court challenge to the legislation known as Bill C-33, used by the Conservative government to deny Machinists members to right to strike Air Canada and to send them into a biased arbitration process.
The government’s heavy-handed use of this back to work legislation prevented 8,300 Machinists members at Air Canada from taking legal strike action March 12, 2012.
“Removing free collective bargaining and the right to strike from workers in the federal sector will poison labour relations between our members and Air Canada for years to come,” said IAMAW Canadian General Vice President Dave Ritchie. “The freedom of association is one of the fundamental rights in the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. What other rights will they take away from working Canadians in the future if we do not take a stand now?”
Paul Cavalluzzo, a leading constitutional lawyer will represent the IAMAW. Mr.Cavalluzzo is also representing the Canadian Union of Postal Workers in a similar challenge.
“The government did not allow the free collective bargaining process to run its course,” explained Ritchie. “Instead the government came down clearly on the side of the employer and declared open season on workers rights. We simply cannot stand by and allow that to happen.”
The IAMAW is the largest union at Air Canada representing 8,300 Line Maintenance Mechanics, Auto Mechanics, Millwrights, Electricians, Inspectors, Technical Writers, Planners, Instructors, Cabin Groomers, Aircraft cleaners, Baggage and Cargo Handlers, Baggage and Cargo Agents, and Weight and Balance Agents.
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For further information:
Dave Ritchie – IAMAW Canadian General Vice President
416-386-1789
Bill Trbovich – IAMAW Director of Communications
416-386-1789 ext #6331/416-735-9765
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