Harris Gave a Christmas Gift to Employers That Will Keep On Giving
With the Harris government introducing changes to the Ontario Employment Standards Act recently we see that the employers of Ontario are getting their Christmas present early this year. A gift that will keep on giving (or taking if your an employee in some workplaces) all year long.
Under the cover of extending parental leave, the Harris government is trying
to push through draconian changes to the Employment Standards Act, with as
little public input as they can orchestrate.
The Harris government intends to increase the maximum workweek from 48
hours to 60 Hours a week. As workers, we would have to "agree" in writing
to work up to 60 hours a week. Only about 35 percent of workers in Canada have a union. Those without a union will be in serious trouble with this pending
legislation. Without a Union, how many workers can say no to overtime
without running the risk of being penalized or terminated?
It gets worse..
It’s is time for this government to consult the public and we hearings on these issues, not in the back room with the business leaders, so the impact of these changes can be fully realized. This is a significant piece of legislation that affects our rights and choices as workers and as people who help to bring economic value to our communities.
If we don't' find a way to prevent this legislation from becoming law, then
I strongly suggest to all who don't have a Union, and never before wanted to
be part of a union, that you had better rethink your position. It used to be that you needed a union for protection from un-scrupulous employers, now you may need one to protect you from the Harris government.
Peter Boyle, President
LETTER TO THE KINGSTON WHIG STANDARD: December 5th, 2000
Instead of being eligible for overtime after 44 hours, the Harris government
wants to average overtime over a month. You would have to work more than
176 hours in 4 weeks before you would get overtime pay. That means you
could actually work 38 hours + 38 Hours + 40 Hours + 60 Hours in a 4 week
period and you would not be entitled to overtime pay in any of those weeks. It is easy to see who gets the benefit with these changes. There is a lot more in the changes, little steps each that serve to erode workers rights.
With a booming Canadian economy being sucked along by the high flying American one, putting business into the black, while Harris boasts of un-presented revenue to the point of giving some back and reducing business tax, and while unemployment still looms at almost 7%, Harris chooses to further impinge on the ability of workers to earn a living. No trickle down effect here or sharing the wealth like the right argues will happen if you let business flow and remove restrictions.
Call us at (613) 548-4952 to learn how a union can help you.
Kingston & District Labour Council