Bargaining Works When Governments Respect Workers’ Rights
The Nova Scotia Federation of Labour (NSFL) congratulates CUPE and the Air Canada flight attendants for showing the country that bargaining works and that it works best when workers are free to use their legal right to strike without interference.
“Collective bargaining only works when it’s free and fair,” said Danny Cavanagh, President of the NSFL. “Workers in this country fought hard for the legal right to strike, and that right must be respected. Every time governments side with corporations, they make matters worse. Disputes drag on, tensions rise, and workers are left carrying the burden. But when governments stay out of the way and let bargaining run its course, fair agreements get made.”
The stand taken by CUPE flight attendants is a clear reminder of the power of solidarity. With strong leadership, determined members, and the full backing of the Canadian Labour Congress, other unions, and Federations of Labour across Canada, CUPE flight attendants held the line and won a fair resolution quickly. “This is living proof of why the right to strike is essential,” added Cavanagh. “Governments need to stop siding with corporate elites and start governing for working people. Workers deserve respect, fair bargaining, and the freedom to use the tools the law provides to settle disputes. Interference in that right must end.”
The NSFL salutes CUPE’s leadership and its flight attendant members for this significant victory, not just for their members, but for all workers in Canada. It proves once again that when we stand united, shoulder to shoulder, in defense of free collective bargaining, we show the true power of working people.
