July 2011 Parliamentary Report

Filibuster

The last week of the Parliamentary session saw the longest filibuster staged over back to work legislation in Canadian history – 58 hours straight.  Of course, no single member spoke continuously.  However, the NDP had the right for each of its members to speak on each of the motions required for the legislation.  Other members took shifts day and night to ensure the necessary votes would be available to defend the legislation when required.  It was an interesting experience, although one with no discernible purpose.

Postal Legislation

The legislation itself did a number of things.  First, it ordered Canada Post to end its lockout of employees in order to resume postal service.  It also ordered CUPW members to end their rotating strikes in order to return to normal employment.

Next, the legislation provides for mandatory mediation.  The mediator will choose between the final offers of the union and of Canada Post.  It gives four guiding principles.  As nearly as possible, the outcome should include terms and conditions which

a)      Are consistent with those in comparable postal industries;

b)      Will ensure short and long term viability and competitiveness;

c)      Will maintain the health and safety of workers; and

d)      Ensure the sustainability of the pension plan.

During debate I asked an opposition member why these principles were being opposed.  I did not receive a reply.

The legislation also requires that wage increases be subject to the same restraint that is facing other federal public sector employees due to the recent economic crisis, as a matter of equity.  The Opposition objected to this restraint measure since Canada Post had already offered slightly greater wage increases to CUPW workers.

Government Reasoning

The parties have tried for a number of months to resolve their differences, unsuccessfully.  Deteriorating relations between CUPW and Canada Post led to rotating strikes.  The revenue loss from reduced mail volume due to the rotating strikes caused Canada Post to conclude that it could not afford to continue operating, so it locked out employees.

The national postal service is an undertaking like no other, and still plays a vital role in our economy, especially for small businesses and their employees who rely on the mail for invoicing and bill payment.  Consequently it would be irresponsible for the Government to accept an indefinite disruption.  That would not be acceptable to Canadians.

After nearly three weeks of disrupted mail service, with no end in sight, the Government concluded that there would not likely be a collective bargaining resolution, and introduced back to work legislation.

Thanks to this decisive action, and our persistence through the Opposition filibuster, mail service should be resumed by the time you are reading this article.

IN THE RIDING

As a result of the Parliamentary adjournment I will be working in the Riding until approximately the third week of September.  Please contact my office if you would like me to attend any events or meetings.

Have a great summer!