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TORONTO, ON – The Throne Speech on February 19 will be a test of Premier Kathleen Wynne’s commitment to rebuilding positive relationships with workers in this province, CUPE Ontario President Fred Hahn said today.
“Kathleen Wynne has admitted that Bill 115, which stripped school board workers of their democratic rights, was a mistake. I will be at Queen’s Park for the Throne Speech and will be listening for a clear promise that her government will move away from the confrontational approach of the last Premier,” said Hahn.
In order to begin rebuilding good labour relations in the province, Hahn said, the Throne Speech will have to clearly state that the government will not introduce legislation like the proposed Protecting Public Services Act, which would strip workers in the broader public sector of their democratic rights to free collective bargaining and end impartial contract arbitration for workers in essential services.
“If this new Premier can make those commitments, she will be sending an important signal that she is on the path to a constructive relationship,” said Hahn.
The CUPE Ontario president says he looks forward to meeting with the new Premier and that, in addition to underscoring better relationships, he will stress the need to turn away from the previous government’s failed austerity strategy.
“Ontario needs its government to stop creating political crises and start focusing on what’s really important: creating a budget that includes investment, growth, good jobs and building the public services that support our economy,” he said.
CUPE Ontario represents more than 230,000 workers in health care, social services, school boards, universities and municipalities.
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For more information, please contact:
Craig Saunders, CUPE Communications, 416-576-7316
