SFL Endorses ILO Complaint

SFL Endorses ILO Complaint

The Saskatchewan Federation of Labour (SFL) fully endorses the complaint filed by the Saskatchewan Government and General Employees’ Union (SGEU) and the National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE), with the International Labour Organization (ILO),.

SGEU and NUPGE announced today they filed a complaint, charging that the government of Saskatchewan violated Conventions of the ILO when they passed Bills 5 and 6.

The two anti-union pieces of legislation make it much more difficult for workers’ to exercise their rights to strike, to collectively bargain, and to form unions.

“The SFL fully endorses the case made to the ILO and we look forward to submitting a supporting complaint in short order, with additional evidence and argument,“ said Larry Hubich, SFL President.

The complaint argues that Bills 5 and 6 violate key ILO Conventions that uphold workers’ freedom of association. The lack of meaningful consultation prior to the introduction of these bills is another key aspect of the complaint.

“The SFL will argue that bills 5 and 6 reverse the international, historical trend of granting and expanding workers’ rights. When the government passed Bills 5 and 6, they did it for ideological reasons that do not stand up under international law. The Supreme Court of Canada has confirmed that workers’ rights are Charter rights. The actions of the Wall government are inconsistent with these nationally and internationally recognized principles,” added Hubich.

The SFL represents 95,000 unionized workers from 37 affiliated unions in Saskatchewan.

See SFL News Release here: SFL Endorses ILO Complaint (SFL)

Also see: NUPGE takes SGEU case to International Labour Organization (NUPGE)

And: Bills 5 and 6 violate International Labour Organization Convention (NUPGE)

Leader-Post coverage: Union files complaint against Sask. labour legislation