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WINNIPEG—Unifor will resist the Brian Pallister government’s new attempt to ban peaceful protest and public dissent.
“We’ve seen this tactic before. When your record in office is a disaster, create a distraction,” said Jerry Dias, Unifor National President. “Thankfully our right to free speech, to assemble, to protest, and to picket are all protected by the constitution.”
Bill 57, the so-called Protection of Critical Infrastructure Act, makes it illegal to protest or picket on any property considered “critical” by the vague definition proposed by the Pallister government. The law is clearly designed to mimic Alberta Bill 1 (already facing a constitutional challenge) and go even farther, says Unifor. Critics have also pointed out that Bill 57 will have a chilling effect on Pallister’s many Indigenous opponents.
“Pallister knows full well that this law will eventually be struck down in the courts, but he also knows that his critics will be silenced during that process,” said Gavin McGarrigle, Unifor Western Regional Director. “These kinds of heavy-handed laws are the trademark paranoid authoritarians. It is very disturbing that it also marks Brian Pallister’s new low.”
The bill attempts to limit the constitutionally protected picketing rights of labour unions. It would impact Unifor members including Locals 100 and 101R (rail), Local 681 (Manitoba Hydro), Local 7 (BellMTS), Local 468 (Burnbrae Farms and Calm Air), Local 830 (Winpak), Local 1M (GlobalTV and CJOB), Local 816M (CTV), and Local 2002 (Air Canada).
Unifor is Canada’s largest union in the private sector, representing 315,000 workers in every major area of the economy. The union advocates for all working people and their rights, fights for equality and social justice in Canada and abroad, and strives to create progressive change for a better future.
For media inquiries or to arrange interviews via Facetime, Zoom, or Skype please contact Unifor Communications Representative Ian Boyko at @email or 778-903-6549 (cell).
