CRFA opposes swift passage of union-friendly legislation in Newfoundland

(Jul. 9/12) Ignoring the views of the business community and the public at large, Newfoundland has quickly passed legislation that makes it easier to certify a workplace union.

CRFA expressed outrage at the legislation and the process used to make it law in an open letter to Premier Kathy Dunderdale and the Members of the House of Assembly. The government claims the legislation is balanced because it introduces an amendment opposed by unions. While helpful to unionized employers, this concession – allowing employers one opportunity to request an employee vote in the bargaining unit on either the union or employer’s most recent offer – does not apply to the largely non-union restaurant industry.

Click here to read our letter to Premier Dunderdale.

Why the legislation is problematic
The amendments give more power to unions and make it easier for them to certify workplaces. These include:

These changes are critical to unions focusing on the service sector and restaurants for new sources of revenue and members to make up for the decline in their traditional base. They also fly in the face of public opinion, given that a Nanos poll (PDF) shows 87 per cent of Atlantic Canadians support the right to a secret ballot vote during a union drive.

CRFA speaks out in the media
Click here to read an article quoting CRFA in The Telegram (St. John’s). CRFA was the only national association quoted in provincial media on this issue.

Next steps
CRFA will continue to speak out against government’s process and the significance of these changes and their impact. We will be seeking regulatory changes to soften the blow of this legislation on restaurant operators.