August 7, 2001

We have 77 of 79 seats,so get used to it!

An imposed contract is fundamentally different than binding arbitration. Governments of all political stripes occasionally end industrial disputes through legislation. Such legislation typically appoints an arbitrator and turns the recommendations of that arbitrator into the contract. Unions don't like binding arbitration, but they accept it. Imposing the terms of the employer's final offer, particularly when the employer is really the government, is a world apart from binding arbitration.

The government maintains that it is doing nothing more than imposing the highest paid terms of any compensation package in the country. If the government is so certain of that, why wouldn't it take a chance on the recommendations of an independent third party? And why would the government ignore the doctor's strike at Lions Gate Hospital, while it denies health workers their right to collective bargaining (even when that right is restricted by essential service provisions)?

Why would the same government that has imposed a contract on HSA and the BCNU, try to say that "essential services" will work for education? Health workers were subject to essential service legislation. The government rejected it and opted for no strike provisions and imposed contracts. Why will education be any different?

Did Campbell government deceive the public in the election campaign? What can be done? For now the answer is if you don't like it, the next election is on May 17, 2005. Until then they have 77 of 79 seats, so get used to it.