Dig a Little Deeper
Sep 28, 2011
ballot, card, check, hugh, mcfadyen, organized, secret, surf
Manitoba Progressive Conservative leader Hugh McFadyen has been careful so far in this election campaign in not straying too far from the political middle in his (and his party’s) messaging. Statements that don’t tow the party line – as Gord Steeves made with regard to privatizing Manitoba Public Insurance – are quickly corrected and rebuffed.
But in comments recently made to the Winnipeg Sun, McFadyen provided a glimpse of his more traditional conservative leanings when commenting on Manitoba labour laws. Although not part of the official PC party platform, he indicated that he would like to reverse some of the “pro-union” labour laws the NDP introduced 10 years ago.
In addition, he stated that a Progressive Conservative government would specifically bring back secret ballot votes for workplaces seeking to unionize.
Right now, unions in Manitoba can certify workplaces without a vote if two-thirds of workers sign union cards, a process known as card check recognition. There are several arguments that unions can make in support of this process, as opposed to secret ballot elections (which are often preferred by the employer).
The most important of these might be the fact that, under a secret ballot campaign, the employer has greater access to employees. Some workers, because of employer pressure or intimidation during a secret ballot election, might be coerced into voting against a union. Employer objections can also serve to delay a secret ballot election, a problem that is avoided under the card check system.
A secret ballot also adds an unnecessary second vote to the process. Once a majority of employees in a workplace have signed cards indicating their desire to join a union, why should they then have to cast another ballot?
But McFadyen has stated that he wants to ensure that unions operate “in an open and democratic way.” He believes that “signing cards without a secret ballot vote is not democratic.”
So in the desperate race for the middle, it’s important to keep in mind that you don’t always get what you elect, or what you think you’re electing. Union members in Manitoba and the labour movement in general need to take a good hard look at where each of the parties stand on this and other issues of importance to the labour. They need to ask questions of their candidates and to make educated decisions.
After all, isn’t this what democracy is all about?
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And "non-secret ballots" can be the subject of a group's 'pack mantality' and also leave room for fear mongering, but unscrupulous union representatives. You know, the type of 'fear mongering' that the MGEU is participating in at this very moment, in this provincial election! Its time that my union dues went toward actual union activity and aligning yourselves with the NDP politicians! Now how about you go and do some of the real work that us members pay you for?!?!
Connie - 2011-09-28 15:01
If I still were an MGEU member (I'm not because I resigned from a job I loved rather than continue to work a schedule of permanent 12 hour nights that presented unacceptable risks to my health and safety as well as compromised my ability to have work-life balance) I would be encouraging the inclusion of pro-worker provisions similar to standard employment standards provisions. The NDP has legislated workplace safety and health provisions that far surpass what the MGEU has agreed to ...and I resent all the dues I paid to maintain an unsustainable employment situation. Shame on you for not protecting workers.
Kachina - 2011-09-30 22:08