Dear Sisters and Brothers:
On December 10, 2011, we celebrate the achievements of all human rights activists for The United Nations’ Human Rights Day.
Since the beginning, PSAC has been at the forefront in promoting employment equity, pay equity and harassment-free workplaces. Last month, the Supreme Court of Canada ruled in favour of PSAC in a 28-year-old pay equity case involving women at Canada Post –– a major victory for the sisters who have long known that human rights belong equally to each of us.
But the Conservative government continues to attack our fundamental freedoms, including the right of workers to bargain collectively and exercise their right to strike. The government has interfered in negotiations with Air Canada, Canada Post and now continues their pattern with the latest request to the Canadian Industrial Relations Board to investigate whether the public's health and safety will be affected by a strike involving ferry service in the Atlantic.
Brothers and Sisters, our most basic human rights are not safe under this government. We must stand together to condemn the cuts to human rights organizations and criticize their meddling in the collective bargaining process. We must demand that the Conservative government make human rights, a priority. With your passion for human rights and your commitment to fight against all forms of discrimination, we can strive for a world with true equality for all.
In Solidarity,
Robyn Benson
Regional Executive Vice-President
Public Service Alliance of Canada, Prairies