Thread by @tim4hire

This is not about “keeping kids in classrooms.” It’s about imposing a contract that is not fair or equitable.

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#ontedsolidarity #CUPESolidarity #onted #ontpoli

https://twitter.com/KenBoessenkool/status/1588399182012108800

There were several options that could have been used to prevent any strike or other labour disruption, all without using the notwithstanding clause. The only problem for the government is that these other options would have most likely resulted in higher wage settlements.

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For instance, @fordnation could have legislated that there be binding arbitration. So, in lieu of a negotiated collective agreement (with labour action possible), an independent arbitrator would decide what the fair outcome should be.

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Alternatively, a contract could be imposed without the use of the notwithstanding clause. This would then mean CUPE could challenge the contract’s terms if they do not represent a fair outcome.

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In either case, this could potentially lead to the collective agreement’s terms being ordered to be more generous than what @fordnation is imposing—in particular, higher wages. So it could cost the government more, but would still prevent disruption.

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The Government of Ontario has, however, decided that these education workers should not even have the opportunity to obtain a fair collective agreement. Instead, they should continue to receive very low wages that are failing to match increases in cost of living.

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At a time when budget surpluses are being projected, it is hard to see why @fordnation thinks poorly paid education workers should see real wage cuts. CUPE members should be entitled to a fair settlement.

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