Budget Bill Sets New Low for Labour Relations

OTTAWA, ONTARIO--(Marketwired - May 7, 2015) - Bill C-59, the 2015 federal budget implementation legislation tabled today, targets federal public service sick leave benefits and takes direct aim at the constitutionally-protected right of workers to free and fair collective bargaining, says the Professional Institute of the Public Service of Canada (PIPSC).

"This government has reached a new low," said PIPSC President Debi Daviau. "What they intend to do to our members' rights is nothing short of illegal. Their solution is quite simply to override the law."

In a series of underhanded measures, the budget bill runs roughshod over the Public Service Labour Relations Act (PSLRA) to give the government unilateral power to impose any new terms and conditions it chooses at any time relating to sick leave provisions protected by collective agreements.

"This Bill will hold federal public service workers hostage until they accept a plan that forces them to go to work sick," added Daviau. "We are dealing with ideological bullies who have no concern for the public interest but are focused on their own re-election."

These measures add yet another layer to the self-serving tactics included in the 2015 federal budget - including playing fast and loose with billions in EI funds, General Motors shares and the federal contingency fund.

Bill C-4, the 2013 budget implementation bill, dramatically changed the rules for collective bargaining and is already the subject of constitutional challenges. Now this year's bill, C-59, would directly impose terms and conditions that totally disregard the collective bargaining process.

"As professional public servants we will stand up for our rights and for the public services all Canadians depend on," concluded Daviau, "whether it is at the bargaining table, in the courts, or at the ballot box."

The Professional Institute of the Public Service of Canada represents some 55,000 professionals across Canada's public sector.