MFL President Kevin Rebeck responded today to Bill 7, the PC government’s proposed changes to the Labour Relations Act, which makes unionizing workplaces more difficult.

“For years, Manitoba has avoided major labour disruptions. Brian Pallister’s changes to union certification rules are fixing a problem that just doesn’t exist and only makes it harder for everyday Manitobans to join a union,” said MFL President Kevin Rebeck.

The Labour Relations Act, as written, allows workers to apply to the Manitoba Labour Board to fast-track certification only when 65% of workers at that workplace have freely declared they want to join a union by signing a union card.

“When 65% of workers, freely declare they want to join a union, their intentions are clear,” said Rebeck. “And in those cases, the existing law helps eliminate the temptation for employers to coerce or intimidate workers against joining a union. This is a step backwards.”

Rebeck noted that last year, workers at a major multi-national fast-food franchise in Winnipeg were threatened with loss of employment and benefits if they voted to unionize.

When less than 65% of employees declare their support, all applications for certification require a secret ballot vote. In every instance, the Labour Board conducts an independent review to ensure the law has been followed.

A recent pan-Canadian study by the federal government – Union Certification Regimes and Declining Union Density in the Canadian Business Sector – confirms that where majority card sign-up is not allowed, rates of unionization are lower.