Bill 21 was recently used to legislate 3,500 striking CUPE 873 Ambulance Paramedics back to work while they were in the process of contract negotiations.  The outrage from unions and public supporters across Canada was palpable.  This was the first time a government in Canada has imposed a collective agreement on public sector employees.

“Union members have the right to negotiate freely and to reach a fair and respectful settlement.  Bill 21 takes away that fundamental right,” says Telecommunications Workers Union National President, George Doubt.  With this move by government, concerns that this form of legislation could be used again are well founded.

To read a Bill 21 fact sheet, please refer to the following link:
Fact Sheet 

The TWU does not support Bill 21 and encourages all members to participate in the following protests scheduled in B.C.:

Monday, January 25 – Surrey
What:        Leafleting and petition signing
Time:        7:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
Where:    Scott Road SkyTrain Station

Tuesday, January 26 - Vancouver
What:        Leafleting and petition signing
Time:        7:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
Where:    Broadway – City Hall SkyTrain Station

Wednesday, January 27 - Burnaby
What:        Rally – The World is Watching!
Time:        Noon – 1:00 p.m.
Where:    Outside Burnaby City Hall, 4949 Canada Way at Deer Lake Parkway
    Key note speakers: CUPE B.C. President, Barry O’Neill; President CUPE Local 873, John Strohmaier; CLC President, Ken Georgetti; USW Director, Steve Hunt; BCGEU, President Darryl Walker.

Wednesday, January 27 - Revelstoke
What:        Rally for Our Right to Negotiate
Time:        5:00 p.m.
Where:    Grizzly Plaza Gazebo, Mackenzie Avenue