Quotes
“The strength of labour laws influences union density rates. As labour rights have been attacked, income inequality has increased.” more...
Michael Lynk, Professor of Law, University of Western Ontario,
“Income inequality in Canada is much higher today than it was a generation ago. These trends can be reversed with strong labour rights, progressive taxation and quality public services.” more...
Armine Yalnizyn, Senior Associate, Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives ,
“Strong labour laws and higher unionization rates reduce income inequality by raising wages for all workers and ensuring more workers receive a higher proportion of national income.” more...
Richard Wilkinson, author of the bestseller "Spirit Level: Why Equality is Better for Everyone,
For a government to legislate away the power of labour at the negotiating table is simply reckless. It is blatantly designed to tip the balance in favour of the employer. more...
Steven Barrett, Member of the Board of Directors, Canadian Foundation for Labour Rights,
Canada's reputation as an international champion of human rights falls appallingly short when it comes to the question of workers' rights. While we are among the first nations to sign international labour conventions, too often we break them when they prove inconvenient at home. more...
Ed Broadbent, Former Member of Parliament, Past President, Rights and Democracy,
The right to strike is fundamental because it is the only means by which workers have to persuade their employer to reach a deal. Without that leverage collective bargaining becomes meaningless. more...
Paul Cavalluzzo, Member of the Board of Directors, Canadian Foundation for Labour Rights,
The failure to protect freedom of association and collective bargaining in Canadian workplaces diminishes our standing as a democracy. more...
Elaine Bernard, Executive Director, Harvard University Trade Union Program,
Recognizing that workers have the right to bargain collectively as part of their freedom to associate reaffirms the values of dignity, personal autonomy, equality and democracy. more...
Supreme Court of Canada BC Health Services decision, June 8, 2007,
Labour rights are at the heart of the fight for human rights. The freedom to associate, to organize and to have equal opportunities in the workplace – every year we see these rights under attack around the world. more...
Kate Allen, Amnesty International United Kingdom,
Legislating workers back to work instead of letting the process of collective bargaining unfold simply creates bad labour relations and does not resolve issues that can only be solved through negotiation. more...
Judy Fudge, Faculty of Law, University of Victoria,