Unionization is necessary to reset the balance of power in our workplaces. It's also critical to combat rising income inequality. Specifically for women, workers of colour and members of equity groups, unions are an important part of economic security.
But for 16 years, it has been hard for workers seeking to unionize to get fair treatment in BC. Our employment laws have been tilted in favour of employers. Weak labour laws have sentenced workers to a life of poverty due to contract flips that drive down wages, the intimidation of workers who seek to form a union, and the complicated processes that delay workers’ justice.
If a worker wants to join a union, they should be able to make that choice with the confidence that the laws support them, and without fear of retribution from their employer. With a new government, we have a chance to fix BC's broken employment laws.
It's time to:
1) Remove barriers for workers to join a union;
2) Prevent employers from interfering in organizing drives;
3) End rampant contract flipping that enables employers to keep wages low and work unstable; and
4) Properly resource the Labour Relations Board so that it can do its job.