Windsor West MPP Lisa Gretzky co-sponsors anti-replacement …

New Democratic Party MPP for Windsor West, Lisa Gretzky joined other NDP MPPs in re-introducing anti-scab legislation to prohibit the use of replacement workers during strikes. Gretzky joined fellow MPPs France Gelinas from Nickel Belt, Wayne Gates from Niagara Falls, Jamie West from Sudbury, Jennifer French from Oshawa and others in speaking about the legislation on Wednesday. The MPPs spoke in provincial parliament to “send a clear message” to Ontario conservatives that the province needs the Anti-Scab Labour Act 2023, said Gelinas.

Gretzky spoke about the Windsor Salt workers who have been on strike since Feb.

17.

Conservatives can’t claim they’re working for workers and vote against anti-scab legislation. Workers in Windsor &amp; across the province want to know, will the Premier stand up for collective bargaining rights, stand up for workers, and finally pass anti-scab legislation? <a href=”https://twitter.com/hashtag/onpoli?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw”>#onpoli</a> <a href=”https://t.co/NlqPvSTAzf”>pic.twitter.com/NlqPvSTAzf</a>

&mdash;@LGretzky

“If you use salt to season your food, salt your sidewalks and driveways or use roads that have been salted in the winter months. It’s likely from Windsor salt in Windsor-Essex,” she said.

Gretzky said it’s “absolutely appalling” that employers are allowed to bring in new workers to fill jobs during lockouts and strikes. A spokesperson with the Ministry of Labour said in a written statement that “our ministry’s responsibility is to stay neutral and encourage parties to remain at the table where 98 per cent of deals are reached.” “The workers at Windsor Salt are helping build a stronger Windsor, and we want them to reach a good, fair deal at the table as quickly as possible.”

Jodi Nesbitt is the president of Unifor Local 240, the union representing Windsor Salt Workers. She said the use of replacement workers has only prolonged labour disputes. “This action instead carries this poison of resentment into our communities and provinces that lingers many years after an agreement is finally reached,” she said at Queen’s Park. “We know how to close deals.

Employers need to know how to close deals, and to bargain in good faith without the use of scab labour.”

Past use of legislation

The NDP brought in anti-replacement worker legislation in 1992 when they were in power. But the Mike Harris government repealed it shortly after taking power in 1995. Larry Savage, a professor of labour studies at Brock University, said it was beneficial.

“In that short three-year period, we saw the number of strikes declined, we saw the incidences of picket line violence decline and we actually saw increased capital investment in the province of Ontario as the province was transitioning out of a recession,” Savage said. “A lot of the doomsday scenarios that conservatives like to paint around a ban on replacement workers about how it’ll chase away business never really played out between 1993 and 1995 when that legislation existed in the province.”

Windsor Salt employees were on the picket line Wednesday.Windsor Salt employees were on the picket line Wednesday. (Dale Molnar/CBC)

Savage said this could be a way for the NDP to push the premier to show which side of the issue he is on. “I mean, the premier has spent the better half of the last few years claiming that his government is working for workers,” Savage said.

“And I think the NDP is trying to push this issue forward to force the Ford government to kind of reveal that when it comes to replacement workers, that the government’s not on the side of organized labour.” Windsor Salt did not respond to an emailed request for comment Wednesday. Windsor Salt workers were on strike a month without negotiations with their employer Stone Canyon Industries, but talks were slated to start last week.

“I think it’s a good thing and something that’s probably been long-needed in place,” said Windsor Salt employee Tom Faubert, who was on the picket line Wednesday. “Because right now we have people inside doing our jobs, management and whatnot, doing our jobs at this point.” “I definitely think it’s necessary.

It’s nice some of the politicians are stepping up bringing it to the house because we need something,” said Danny DiCaro, who’s been with the company 20 years.

“We need fair negotiations, fair bargaining, and that helps us and helps the company with safety with the job security.”

paperchase listed on couponmatrix.ukpetspyjamas-com listed on couponmatrix.ukqatar-airways listed on couponmatrix.ukrac listed on couponmatrix.uktommee-tippee listed on couponmatrix.uktrunki listed on couponmatrix.uk
paperchase listed on couponmatrix.ukSplash out on stylish stationery, greeting cards and arty supplies at Paperchase, and let your creative side fly free. Snap up a Paperchase discount code from us and you could treat yourself to high-quality notebooks, quirky office products and a wide variety of beautifully designed homeware without breaking the bank. With the tasteful yet fun Paperchase collection, you can source premium treats without the high-end price tag attached.
petspyjamas-com listed on couponmatrix.ukPetsPyjamas understand that your pet is so much more than an animal: they’re your best friend, a member of the family, someone who loves you unconditionally. Show them some of that love in return by using a PetsPyjamas discount code to treat your fur baby to all the best toys, meals, and even holidays that they deserve. Even in the PetsPyjamas HQ every day is Bring Your Pet to Work Day, so you can shop with confidence knowing your favourite PetsPyjamas products have been well tested by those who know best.
qatar-airways listed on couponmatrix.ukThe Qatar Airways flying experience is unrivalled anywhere. Their hospitality and service are world class, and can be exclusively tailored to your needs. Qatar Airlines’ fleet is designed for comfort and the most enjoyable flying experience. By using a Qatar promo code from Groupon, you can make savings on luxury flying and experience it for yourself.
rac listed on couponmatrix.ukRAC offers comprehensive breakdown cover throughout the UK, so you can trust RAC to keep you on the move. Get covered for less with a RAC deal from us and you can enjoy peace of mind knowing you’ve chosen the best in the business. No one wants to be hampered by breakdowns or unexpected car costs – make car troubles a thing of the past with RAC.
tommee-tippee listed on couponmatrix.ukParenting isn’t the easiest job in the world, but you’ll be a pro in no time with Tommee Tippee. Tommee Tippee has over 50 years of expertise in feeding products like bottles, pumps and cups to make mealtimes more comfortable for parents and babies alike, and with expert solutions to sterilise equipment on the go, you’ll be fully kitted out like the superhero you are. A Tommee Tippee discount code from Groupon could go a long way towards making products like the Tommee Tippee bottle warmer more affordable, so check back here and shop for baby products that make life a little easier.
trunki listed on couponmatrix.ukTravelling is exciting. Holidays are exciting. Luggage… isn’t particularly exciting. But not any more! With a Trunki discount code, you can shop a huge range of suitcases, bags, pillows, blankets, reins and booster seats, all created especially for kids! Built to last and incredibly cute, the characters donning your kids’ luggage and other travel essentials will soon become their best friends, whether globetrotting or going for a sleepover. Leave squabbles about packing behind and create a world where luggage is almost as fun as the trip with Trunki!