The Canadian Federation of Nurses Unions (CFNU) strongly condemns the aspects of Bill C-39 that infringe on a workers’ right to strike. Bill C-39’s changes to Section 107 of the Canada Labour Code are an attack on workers’ constitutional right to strike and threaten the fair negotiating process. Canada’s nurses will always support free and fair labour relations as a cornerstone of a democratic society. Taking away the power workers have – to negotiate fair wages, benefits and good working conditions – is not only undemocratic but also contrary to the national interest. The anti-constitutional powers found in this new Bill must be removed.
Linda Silas, CFNU President
Angela Preocanin, CFNU Secretary-Treasurer
Adriane Gear, BC Nurses’ Union President
Tristan Newby, BC Nurses’ Union Vice-President
Heather Smith, United Nurses of Alberta President
Danielle Larivee, United Nurses of Alberta Vice-President
Bryce Boynton, Saskatchewan Union of Nurses President
Darlene Jackson, Manitoba Nurses Union President
Katie Stark, Manitoba Nurses Union Vice-President
Erin Ariss, Ontario Nurses’ Association President
Bernadette Robinson, Ontario Nurses’ Association
Paula Doucet, New Brunswick Nurses Union President
Janet Hazelton, Nova Scotia Nurses’ Union President
Kim Sears, Prince Edward Island Nurses’ Union President
Yvette Coffey, Registered Nurses’ Union Newfoundland and Labrador President
Josée-Anne Spirito, PSAC North Regional Executive Vice-President
Scarlett Montserrat Sanabria-Ramos, Canadian Nursing Students’ Association President