Union calls for return of card-based certification

October 10 2003 - United Steelworkers' Ontario Director Wayne Fraser has called upon Ontario Premier Designate Dalton McGuinty and his incoming Liberal government to increase the minimum wage and reverse the 'draconian' Harris/Eves labour law rollbacks.

"Employees should have the right to join a union without fear of being fired," said Fraser. "Dalton McGuinty knows how the previous Tory government drove a bulldozer over workers' rights. Now is the Liberals' chance to restore some balance.

"The Liberals should bring back the card-based union certification process, and restore to the Ontario Labour Relations Board (OLRB) its power to stop employers from threatening and coercing employees. The Board needs to be able to order remedial certification where employers have undermined the organizing process, and issue interim orders to deal quickly with unfair actions by employers."

Fraser noted that Dalton McGuinty said Ontarians 'chose hope over fear'. "Let's see him act true to those words," Fraser said. "Raising the minimum wage will help thousands of working people and their families. Giving people the right to choose to join a union and increasing the minimum age do not require public funds. Honesty and a commitment to fairness are all that is needed to make these changes."

Fraser is also anxious to see who McGuinty appoints as the Minister of Labour.

"The Minister of Labour needs credible knowledge of what it is like to work for a living in today's economy," said Fraser.

Wayne Fraser is also demanding electoral reform in Ontario after the NDP increased its popular vote but lost two seats on October 2.

"The NDP's popular vote tally demands that it be given official party status and funding right away. There is a clear need for reform of our electoral system."