Labour Day! A holiday created to show appreciation for the hours of hard work the men and women of our society contribute every day.
I wonder what members of the Saskatchewan Party are going to do on this day?
Maybe have an emergency meeting to think of ways to change the name? Maybe have it undeclared as a holiday? Maybe force people to work regardless?
Those may seem like bitter, harsh words, but the fact is that during the past four years the Sask. Party has attacked labour at every turn, negotiating in bad faith, forcing workers to accept lower wages, introducing essential services legislation, Bill 80 and just having an overall poor attitude towards organized labour.
Organized labour gave society paid vacations, statutory holidays, benefits and decent, safe working conditions.
If most workers were asked what they would prefer - the Sask. Party or vacation pay - the workers would pick vacation pay. Is vacation pay up for grabs? Yes, it is. The Sask. Party has the power to remove or lessen vacation pay, holiday pay and hours of work.
Given its past record of heavy handed, anti-labour legislation I doubt we will go another four years without such changes.
I am going to enjoy this Labour Day and I feel it might be the last one with as many benefits as I now enjoy.
Who knows? Maybe Brad Wall will see fit to do away with Labour Day just as he has done away with so many other workers' rights!
Tim Lalonde, Regina Lalonde belongs to the International Union of Operating Engineers, Local 870.
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