NDP says back-to-work bill unfair to postal workers

NDP Leader Jack Layton says the back-to-work legislation tabled by the Conservative government for locked-out postal workers clearly favours Canada Post, a Crown-owned organization.

Question period: Grits slam wage restrictions

Interim Liberal Leader Bob Rae asks why the government imposed wage restrictions in the legislation that will limit the federal arbitrators chances of finding a fair agreement for both Canada Post and the locked-out workers.

CTV News Channel: Gord Fischer, CUPW

The national director for the Canadian Union of Postal Workers says what the government is doing is unnecessary. He says the message the government should be giving to Canada Post is to go to collective bargaining, and that legislation is never the answer.

CTV Edmonton: Laura Tupper on the workers

Angry postal workers rallied in downtown Edmonton Tuesday, airing their frustration with the federal government's plans to force an end to the three-week long dispute.

CTV News Channel: Don Martin on the bill

The host of CTV's Power Play says the reason the Canadian government is dictating wages in the back-to-work legislation for Canada Post and the locked-out workers is because they wanted them to focus on bigger issues like pensions and working conditions.

Canada AM: Yvon Godin, labour critic

The NDP labour critic says the government should pressure both sides to get back to the bargaining table, not legislate the locked out workers back to work, and explains what the NDP can do as a minority government to stop the Tories.

CTV National News: Robert Fife on the dispute

The federal government tabled back-to-work legislation on Monday to end the Canada Post lockout.

Watch: See all Videos in the Player

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NDP Leader Jack Layton responds to a question during question period in the House of Commons on Parliament Hill in Ottawa on Tuesday, June 21, 2011. (Sean Kilpatrick / THE CANADIAN PRESS)

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CTV.ca News Staff

Date: Tue. Jun. 21 2011 10:46 PM ET

NDP Leader Jack Layton says Prime Minister Stephen Harper's government is putting unfair pressure on postal workers, by including a wage hike in its back-to-work legislation that is lower than what Canada Post proposed in its offer.

The bill calls for Canada Post and the union representing its locked-out employees to each submit their best, final offer. A federally appointed arbitrator would then have 90 days to choose either one or the other, without compromise. In the meantime, Canada Post would have to end its lockout and employees would have to get back to the business of moving mail.

However, the legislation also imposes a 1.75 per cent wage hike this year, followed by a 1.5 per cent hike next year and two per cent hikes in each of the following years. That falls short of not only the union's demands, but Canada Post's latest offer too.

Union negotiators have asked for a 3.3 per cent wage hike in the first year, followed by 2.75 per cent increases in the last three years of a four-year contract.

"Here the managers of Canada Post are ready to offer a certain kind of wage settlement and there's the government saying, ‘No, no, we're going to make it even less than that,'" Layton told CTV's Power Play on Tuesday.

Urban postal workers began staging a series of rotating strikes on June 3. Canada Post suspended its operations 12 days later, citing an estimated $100 million in lost revenue for the decision to lock out its 50,000 employees nationwide.

Layton said if it was up to him he'd unlock the doors and let both sides get back to bargaining. The NDP vows to debate the back-to-work legislation for as long they can, but the House is expected to rest for the summer this Friday.

"It's Stephen Harper who's shut the post office down. I thought he was supposed to be a good manager," he said. "I don't see how that's good management, especially if what he's saying is true that the postal service is important to our economy."

Layton also said it feels like Canada is facing a summer of labour warfare with the government's confrontational approach to labour disputes.

"I don't think it's a one-off," he said. "We saw a similar approach with the Air Canada situation. Fortunately they resolved it before the bill having to be adopted here in the house."

Labour Minister Lisa Raitt has made it clear she wants the legislation passed in the next few days.

Government House leader Peter Van Loan said Monday that the House will remain in session for as long as it takes to get the bill through.

Considering the Conservative majority, however, it's not the vote that may prove a challenge, but the NDP's veiled promise to employ whatever parliamentary delay tactics they can.

When Raitt was asked whether the government would be prepared to force closure of the debate so the bill could be put to a vote before the end of the week, she suggested that's exactly how other back-to-work legislation has been handled in the past.

"I see no reason why we wouldn't be doing the same thing again," she said Monday.

If lawmakers can agree on an expedited process for passing the bill into law, a vote on Thursday could mean the resumption of mail service on Friday.

But even as she tabled the legislation, Raitt said there would still be time before it becomes law for the two sides to hammer out a deal.

Both the union and the Crown corporation have expressed their preference for a negotiated agreement over final offer arbitration, but face-to-face talks on Monday yielded no results.

More talks were scheduled for Tuesday morning.

Comments are now closed for this story

past time to stand
said

yeah break the unions who cares if companies are making record profits while people are making the same or less then in the 90's corporate greed has raised costs of everything we use and need but the amount of money we have to survive has not changed, many of the jobs being created are low wage part time jobs but yeah let�s keep lowering our standard of living to improve the lives of the few rich. Gee I wonder if the reason Stephen is bringing in a bunch of super prisons is because he knows the middle class is disappearing and there are going to be more and more people who are poor and of course as we all know with poverty come crime. Thanks Stephen I sure love the fact that you are determined to move this country I just wish you were moving us up instead of down.

Dave
said

When the postal workers went on strike, it reminded me of every time I've seen a spoiled child make a fuss to get what he or she wants. I support the actions of Canada Post, and I support the actions of the government.The demands of the postal union are ridiculous and this strike, 48 hour or full lockout, has costed ordinary Canadians and Canada Post far too much already. Enough with the nonsense, Canada post workers shouldn't expect to have such an unrealistic terms for time off as ordinary Canadians do similar or more difficult jobs for less.here is hoping they either smarten up and take the deal currently offered or get stuck with the government's deal. If this continues as a result NDP interference then affected parties should find a way to sue the postal union.

Dave, Ottawa
said

Then the NDP are "prolonging" me from getting my $3827.00 foreign paycheque that is in the mail. You're not getting on my good side, Jack.

Syl
said

No one should ever be allowed to go on strike. If you work under a contract and that contact is to expire, say at the end of June, then you should be required by law to have a new contract in force before the old one expires or your dispute will automaticaly be sent to binding arbitration.

Bob
said

Nice, I generated over 3.5 million dollars in new business for my company over the past four years and just got my first raise in three years...2%. These people do what is considered by most to be manual labor and are not responsible for, or don't directly generate any profit for their employer; yet they have the nerve to be complaining about guaranteed yearly raises? I cannot believe this is the country I grew up in...when did everyone in this country become so afraid of working for a living?!?

bill
said

"NDP labour critic Yvon Godin says his party will fight on behalf of the employees of Canada Post to stop back-to-work legislation tabled by the government of Prime Minister Stephen Harper, who he says "hates the workers."NDP labour critic Yvon Godin says his party will fight on behalf of the employees of Canada Post to stop back-to-work legislation tabled by the government of Prime Minister Stephen Harper, who he says "hates the workers."that's the language you would expect from a 5 year old, not a high ranking member of the ndp. oh right, a lot of them arepre school

Retired in Burlington
said

I am tired of the NDP and union posties crying that they were locked out. You started it all by going on rotating strikes, inflicting great inconvenience to the small business people and taxpayers alike who need mail service. I have watched strikers on TV news footage thinking you had us all worried while you ran your strikes for 2weeks in various cities across Canada. I find it ironic that when the company chose to lock you out you all screamed bloody murder. It quite different when the shoe is on the other foot isn't it. Everything a taxpayer pays for should be classed as an essential service that includes fire, police,garbage, teachers,etc. etc. The NDP and the Unions can go fly a kite we taxpayers want the services that we pay for and if you have not got the message yet you have very little support from the public.

Mike
said

The NDP is an embarassment. I'm so sorry that they got in. Pls kick them out next election. They should let the law pass ,.Get the people back to work, it has gone on long ebnough.

Neogami Origami Jewellery
said

I just wish Canada Post would finally be legislated back to work so I can ship the products people are wanting to buy from me.

Small businesses like mine rely so heavily on Canada Post for shipping, and payments that the strike is literally taking money out of the pockets of small businesses who already struggle just to make a buck.

It's always nice to see that people who make a good wage, have plenty of vacation time, and a generally nice job, are willing to screw the little guy to get even more.

Thanks Canada Post!

Disgusted by the GREED
said

I am thoroughly disgusted by Canada Post's greedy employees!
Unions are no longer necessary in this day and age when everybody makes a fair wage, and employees are not discriminated against in any way.
Unions have now become a way for greedy, lazy individuals to get an easy job where they don't have to work as hard as their non-union counterparts, and get paid much much more.

sick of this strike already
said

Interesting how if a comment isn't full of swearing or statest he truth, it isn't posted. Thanks a lot.I hope none of these union people or union supporting posties need a job at one of the small businesses they nearly destroyed. Good luck on the welfare line. Meet you there

PissedOFF
said

Canada Post workers are the laziest, rudest and overpaid workers there are. Being their competitor and having to deal with them is a chore, God forbid they move two inches to either side of their "union agreement", or take a minute off their extremely important break to extend their hand and give a signature. As for the walking 15k....my a$% you guys get your freight dropped off at a corner and you have 5 streets to do, sure its heavy the bag and sure it might be raining or snowing, but guess what you chose this job and after you done you can go back to sitting on your a%^ and be paid 25$/h to be a jackass that can't think outside the box. I hope you get forced back to work and get nothing you ask for, you are already 13% higher in wages than the rest of the delivery sector and you want another 12%, dream-on you bunch of slackers

I Work For My Money
said

I am a hard working Canadian business owner who relies on basic services like Canada Post.
There are no pensions or sick days in my life, I don't get wage increases, instead I suffer because the people who do get these luxuries aren't happy. You should understand that this action between the unions and Canada Post is destroying my business. While these issues may be important to the individuals involved, I think it is time some one considered the financial repercussions this has on the rest of us.

I don't get a choice in the matter between Canada Post and the CUPW but the leaders of our country do have a voice, and it should be in favour of its sufferers. Please consider Canadian small businesses.

D Fraser AB small business owner
said

So the NDP wants to extend a debate when the majority will see it passes anyway. Perhaps they should give some thought to the economy and all the small business like mine losing huge money I can never recover. I am ok with unions wanting to improve their lot in life, but they need to be truthful. The carriers get paid separate for the junk mail they carry, aside from their regular wage. They bank sick days to another year, and see them as days off if not sick. They can finish their route early and return to the depot and work more hours and receive overtime pay for doing so. One union supporter suggests a strike is to be prepared for by small business, that we should have found alternatives. I for one, as a small business owner, do the best I can to pay bills online, receive them by email and not use post unless I have to, but my mainstay is mailing goods to customers by the postal system. Are you really suggesting all small business should actively seek alternatives so we are not held hostage by the postal union in the future. Seems a little short sighted to me, give your head a shake buddy... NDP delays small business from receiving payments and being able to do business, causing huge harm to the economy, all so he can make a hollow gesture to their union support base. I think his real support is only quebec isn't it, I wonder how small business in quebec feel about him prolonging the strike?

M.M.B. Ont
said

During election campaign Layton screamed about Harper supporting large companies with tax cuts. He went on to say that small businesses needed breaks instead. Well now when small business are hurting because of a useless strike (the strike came before the lockout) Layton turns his back on the small businesses and the ordinary people in favor of Unions! As Leader of the Opposition, he can support Unions in legislating the workers back to work and support arbitration after 7 months of negotiations. However, since he has become the Opposition Leader and his party has gained all these seats in Quebec, his head has become so inflated that he now thinks he is above every Canadian, and can stomp all over us. Thank goodness we have a Majority Conservative gov't because the NDP are fools.

Linda Miller
said

Some of us rely on the Postal service to receive our paychecks. Direct deposit is not always an option. Who is going to pay my bills and put food in my cupboards if this strike/lock out continues? My elderly mother also receives her checks through the mail as my father was an employee in the US. I think they should quit there whining and just be thankful to have a job!! Stop making the rest of us suffer!

Wayne from Kelowna
said

Unions are obsolete. Who else pays a $23 starting wage for unskilled labour? Postal workers don't know how good they've got it. I'm so disappointed that the NDP have taken the position they have as it's not in the overall interest of keeping the Canadian economy healthy. Tunnel vision Jack.

Miffed
said

I don't believe in those posting that if you don't like how much you are making ask for more. Real businesses don't always work that way, and I can only imagine the economic impact on society if that did work. Those incresed wages would result in higher product and services costs, passed on to the consumer. Food costs are already up because of gas prices spiking, and that had nothing to do with wages. Very quickly the price of a loaf of bread would skyrocket to $10-12. There would be no reprieve for the low income earners and pensioners. It would be best if there was a modest increase for everyone (not just union) of 2%/yr. Seriously, when is it going to be enough?

McFib
said

I don't believe that Canada Post should be privatized. Could you imagine how much it would cost to send letters to/from Yelowknife of Iqaluit. Do you honestly think that the smaller rural villages and towns would get any service at all? If you look at your map of Canada, you will see that there are more villages and towns across this country than there are major urban centres. This is part of what Canada Post is all about. A private company wouldn't, couldn't make a profit servicing most of these places and would cut services or pull out all together.

Bradley Carriere
said

so, Jack Layton says he is going to delay this back to work thing as long as he can, huh? well now, why not put his paycheck in the mail and say you will get it when the mail starts running again, you know, just like the frigging bus pass I am waiting for, and the rent check our landlady is going to be waiting for...let him feel what it is like to wait for important stuff like the rest of us have too

Mark
said

The government should mind its own business. How dare they interfere in employee�s legal right to strike? This is a very slippery slope Ottawa is really broken and thank the NDP for being there and for trying to fix this. There is no telling where the anarchy of the Conservative government will stop. The only way to have a strong economy is with a strong middle class. Call of firing everyone is not going to bring the bottom up. Time to wake up the over jealous idiots who can�t see the big picture .

Jarrett, Ottawa
said

Every day on strike is a nail in the coffin of Canada Post. This is just forcing people to e-bills and looking to the more effective online tools that are available. There is very little that people need the postal system for that there isnt an online alternative that is faster, cheaper and more effective.

Mike inTO
said

Why is the NDP acting like children? When two sides can agree on something you take it to a independent party to solve the issue. That should be the natural next step for all union issues. Both sides say don't agree with the other so the next natural step is arbitration. Why the NDP is trying to fight this I don't know... Unless they are enjoying the vacation from junk mail being delivered to their mailbox; In which case I kind of agree!

complement
said

This disdain that people feel towards Canada Post employees and their benefits is ridiculous. Instead of expecting less from our employers in terms of pay, sick days, etc., maybe it is time that we collectively decide that we deserve more and are sick of settling for less. Yes, there are many people who would gladly work for Canada Post for less, but is that really a good thing? Do we really want to set the bar that low?

Ellen
said

To Al: How am I supposed to have a backup solution for shipping my parcels by Canada Post? Should I tell my customers in Australia they have to pay $90 instead of the $10 they normally pay? Should I tell customers in Italy that to ship there envelope that costs $2 it will now cost them $70?
Somehow I don't think that will work, and yes we are losing business and money. You explain to me how it is acceptable that one group has the right to hold my business hostage, cost me and my family money and potentially have an extremely negative impact on our ability to afford to do the things we would normally do with our kids this summer. Would you like to call my kids and explain why I can not now afford to send them to the camp they wanted to go to? This is in no way shape or form acceptable especially since my taxes pay the Canada Post Workers wages! Shame on you!!!!!

Doug ^^^ BC
said

Before I retired I worked in mostly union shops all of my life.Only once was there a strike,and that was in my last job in a Public Sector Union. In the private sector,we avoided straikes.The company didn't like losing money,and our members wages and benefits were a reslut of market conditions.As long as we made about the same as every other trades person,we went to work. Public sector unions are a different matter.The company has a monopoly.And the union has the exclusive right to the work. But where I get angry,is when public sector workers go on strike,when they are already making so much more than similarly qualified people in the private sector.And it's not ONLY the per hour wage.Most private sector workers will never get the pesnions thse public sector workers get.They will toil away for 40 years or more,and retire on CPP.Public sector workers wil toil away too,but they will get the CPP AND the pensions they get via ther contracts.All to be paid for by,you guessed it,tax payers. My 45 years as a commercial transport mechanic earn me about $900 per month in a CPP.By comparison,my 9 years work in public sector,just before I retired,pays me an $850 per month pension.How is that fair to taxpayers who pay for my pension? I still believe unions have a role to play.Just not in the public service.They hold all of us to ransom,in spite of the fact that we pay them more than we pay anyone else.Even after they retire to public service heaven.In BC,I know people in the public service wo get $28 per hour for sweeping floors.AND,they will get big,fat,life long pensions that most people can only dream about. NOT FAIR ! NOT EQUITABLE !

josie
said

Wow everyone is so quick to make a comment about postal workers , but you have never done the job so you have no right to an opinion. No we do not get 7 weeks holidays , I have worked at canada post for over 8 years as a letter carrier and I only get 4 weeks holidays , so know your facts. Secondly, as for sick days I left a job that I received over 18 sicks days. If you were ill for over 6 days and your employer than said you would have to go on unemployment well you might have something to say about it, so know your facts. I love my job so that is why I stay , as do most, if I wanted a different job I would get one, so enough of the backlash from everyone. People should respect each other , rudeness is a sign of weakness, it's easy to sit behind a computer and spout off at the mouth, but again it's a sign of weakness. Communication is a wonderful thing when used properly so to all have a great day and mind your manners.

JW
said

Unions are pain. We all know it. If you don't like your job, quit. It happens with every other non-union company. There is no loyalty to companies any more so what makes unions so useful? As a business owner the thought of a union makes me sick. Make unions illegal Harper. I'll vote for you every time.

Shuan
said

I respect the postal guys and conditions of whether they may have to work in some times... but personally and these sentiments are shared by most everyone I�ve talk to, in today�s times and uncertainty they should be bloody thankful they have "as good as and secure job� they have! Plus the benefits, Many of us ordinary folks don�t have wages nor benefits nearly as nice as they do!
Unions are the failing of our economy and forcing inflation up. Once upon a time ago, there may have been a need for unions; today their only usefulness is job justification to bunch of fat cat upper managements own job security

jeff
said

For those out there who said it is there 'right' to strike... why don't we all just go on strike because we want a raise too..Are country will turn out like Greece..... abolish the union just like the senate and privatize the service.And you know what... your mail will be delivered on time :-)

Alyssa
said

For the person whining about them being locked out: My MIL works for Canada Post and that's what everyone wanted! Everyone from the depot she worked at was ready to walk out on the rolling strikes. They just wanted to be locked out so they would be legislated back to work.

Lissa
said

Is the NDP going to pay for subscriptions I get but now have to pay full price for magazines because the US Postal Service isn't even accepting mail to Canada anymore? Is the NDP going to hand deliver, or pay for a courier so that I can send a sympathy card to someone whose mother died? Does the NDP give a damn about the PEOPLE being held hostage in this ridiculous strike?Summer break happens Thursday. They're hoping CUPW and Canada Post come to an agreement in their absence. I didn't vote NDP to begin with and will damn sure not vote them in any near future. Harper doesn't hate workers - he respects everyone else in Canada NOT throwing a temper tantrum over their jobs!

Islander
said

One can only hope that CUPW will fold like a cheap suit after this....this union and its whining members are well past their 'best before' date.

Unbelievable
said

Unbelievable that in the midst of a recession, yes, it's clearly not over, these yahoos want more and more. Greed is like Karma - when it hits you back, it's usually twice as hard. Beware posties! Just go back to work! Be thankful you have a job that gives you an annual increase. It's been 7 years since I've had an increase. I'm employed by a small business that depends on Canada Post, although not for long. We are now using email for invoicing and will use the internet for accounts receivable. We will not be held hostage again!!! Jack Layton - you are showing your true colours...karma will be looking for you in 4 years and it's gonna hurt!

R Plante Quebec
said

I am another victim of this situation, having a small business. Lots of parcels destined to USA, stuck in the Canada Post Montreal warehouse, since last week. My clients won't pay until goods are delivered. I'm losing lots of sales and it affect my monthly income to pay the bills, like thousand of other Canadians. I guess next, we'll have to privatize Canada Post, to get rid of this union. I'm sure you'd have plenty of good people who would accept to deliver mail at 80% of their actual conditions. Good thing they force them back to work. Shame on NDP who defends non-sense unions requests & does not care about ordinary Canadians.

Tom Hanna
said

Since the NDP are all about the working class, Im wondering if the they would allow these increases and guarantees to those on UI?.... Don't drop the "socialist" out of the party, Russia had Siberia for the unemployed!

unbelievable
said

So...we have tools as Union Executives not listening to the membership and now we have NDP tools not listening to Canadians. Can't wait to see the next election results for both tool boxes!

Al
said

For all those who cannot comprehend why the union is going on strike, I would like to invite them to do a small research on what a union is, what it represents and how the law gives it the RIGHT to go on strike.For all those who are shocked because they cannot comprehend why the union is on strike when they offer a USELESS service, I would like to tell them that if they really think the service is useless then they should not care about the matter and they definitely should ne be writing about it feeling shocked, angry or outraged�For all those who consider that the union workers are overpaid because they think themselves more qualified than them or better educated, then instead of lowering the wages of others why don�t they try to raise their income since they are so intelligent.For all those who are loosing money because of the strike and they are blaming the union for it, I would like to advise them that in business people should always be prepared for the worse by having backup solutions. I mean the strike is not act of God, it is something that is easily predicted: whenever the collective agreement reaches its due date, there may be a strike. So next time, please consider it since the union workers, just like you, are trying to make money and going on strike is their RIGHT.

Northern Princess
said

So, many commenting are finally seeing Taliban Jack's true colors. I, including many others, tried to point out that the NDP are union lovers, love to promise the moon, spend for everything under the sun, and raise taxes for some (Canadians, not unions) wayyyyyyy before May 2 election but many wouldn't listen, especially in Quebec. Well I hope he ruins Quebec like Rae did in Ontario. He sang a good tune during his campaigning, 'I love the workers', 'if I'm elected, I will ...' and all the right words that made people fall for him and forgetting everything else he's stood for in the past 30 years. Well I'm glad he's shooting himself in the foot and hopefully he'll do it more and worse in the next 4 years to truly make people remember it on the next election day. Unions let the posties back to work already. You're not doing them any favors. Yeh, Harper hates workers. No, he's trying to get them back to work like so many want to do against the union's will and force. Good for him. Layton, go take a nap.

Tiko
said

Abolish Canada Post, lay them all off and sell the jobs to FedEx. They can all re-apply for a $12 an hour job instead of the $23 they're starting at now. Then they can realize how sweet they have it now. GET BACK TO WORK!

Regina Joe
said

Time to sell off Canada Post Assests and sell off the routes to the private sector. Postal workers have had us as hostages for years, now with electronic transactions and communications becomming the norm it is time for payback. Postal workers are grossly over compensated for what they are supposed to do. Close em down for good.

bryan ontario
said

Greedy Unions & Postal workers demanding a 11.5% wage hike. On top of that collective sick days & 7 wks holidays to start!! F*** right O** Canadians are sick & tired of these Unions getting raises in tough times.Canadians are hard pressed now & those of us lucky enough to have a job would never see such a wage hike or benefits.As for the NDP good thing you did not drop the Socialist from your constitution Now you can live up to your Union Ties under the pretence of for the non union people. BS wish this strike happened before the election we may have seen a far different result in the Opposition. dont believe me read the comments here from the people's opposition to the NDP.

Holly
said

The NDP attitude just makes me very angry. Who is going to cover the additional costs of this so called strike/lock-out? Not the NDP! What are the NDP planning, to save the hundreds of small businesses and private citizens who are lossing business and income during this nonsense. But, typically, as with any Union sympathizer, the union has to be right! Shake your heads, NDP members, do you really think that you are making friends and infuencing people. NOT!!!

chris saric
said

I find it hard to believe that 94% of posties voted for a strike. I know quite a few, but not 1 voted for a strike. With the wide scope of media these days, I don't think strikes are effective. Wiktionary describes "strike" as a work stoppage to obtain better working conditions. Pretty archaic definition from the most recent, and up to date dictionary on the planet. I think it's time for unions to crawl into the 21st century." CUPW, your backward thinking is costing your membership every day they are off the job. It's obvious unions don't carry the power they once did. New ideas are past due. I can't believe people actually vote for you. Next time you have an election, try adding the box"none of the above", you may get a big surprise. You allow your entire membership to be ridiculed and trash-talked for your actions. Like I said, I know many posties. Most of them are eagerly waiting for back to work Legislation.

Nick
said

The NDP clearly does not have the best interests of the people of Canada at heart at all. The mail should be moving. Many people, including the elderly, disabled and small businesses depend on it and this service in Canada should be declared an essential service now. Stop with the entitlement crap and get the mail moving now!

Andrew in NB
said

All Jack and the NDP can to is talk... they can not do anything but cost us money!! Of course.. the more they talk the better the other parties are as they will self distruct soon enough!!These "workers" get paid more than most of us do!! And expect MORE!! NOT

Marilyn
said

Well if the NDP succeed then that is more days posties won't be paid!!! Sounds good to me EXCEPT for the small business that depend on the mail.

WatchDawg
said

Time to sell off the Crown Corporation and let the private sector take over delivering the mail.

embarrassed postie
said

I am an embarrassed postie and totally disagree with our sick union. Posties constantly complain that the union does nothing for them and then they support this ridiculous strike. We work a solid 8 hour day now (unlike the 4 hours days of the past), and get paid well for our what we do....so let us go back to work CUPW and Jack.

Steve
said

STOP JACK That means Jack hates Canadians who are at the mercy of a union that get paid 15% more then the Canadians working privately, Canadians who are waiting for their paychecks in the mail, waiting for their letters for their grandmothers to be delivered, waiting for their bills so they do not incur a 24% interest etc...Jack, 70% of Canadians voted against you. We need our mail, we are losing a lot of money and we cant afford to pay overpaid employees with 7 weeks pay and pension at 55. We hope to get 1 week vacation and retire at 75 to pay for your pro rich union mentality.

Cam - Calgary
said

This is why one doen't vote for NDP... seriously! I do need my mail. Its been very difficult to arrange other methods of payments from my customers in such short order. This mail stoppage has serious repercussions on my business. GET back to work. IF the NDP is SO concerned with helping Canadians (as I heard all during the campaign) ... HELP ME! and other small businesses by getting Canada Post back to work.

Syl
said

Layton and his NDP gang do not care one bit about what the Canadian people want. We want, and need the Post Office back at work. Get out of the way Layton and let the Conservatives do their job and the job that Canadians want done.

hunter
said

Godin has a lot of nerve. He states "Harper hates workers" and he's the one telling us Supreme Court Judges have to be bilingual. So NDP hates English Canada?

JamesSK
said

During my many years on the railway, whenever there was a strike, we were always legislated back to work. Where were the supporters of free negotiations then? BTW, the post office is not outdated, and not everything can be done over the Internet! The posties have found themselves in a pickle over their pension, but "eyes wide open" friends -- you could have seen this coming a long time ago!!

HS
said

The NDP and Unions have become a disease !

Vinnie
said

I usually side with the libs and NDP on many issues, but this time the NDP is dead wrong and out of touch with public sentiment. The public is clearly fed up with these greedy, lazy bums who should be ordered back to work. The NDP needs to distance itself from militant unions if it wants to become a true main stream party.

Cambob in Toronto
said

During the election, Jack was promising to help small business. Supporting this strike/lockout is hurting small business Jack! Stop pandering to 40,000 union votes and think about the millions of people you are really hurting.

GHW
said

In these economically uncertain times the Canada Post workers have little support for this strike. The fact is the strike hurts small businesses more than anyone else. The headline should read; NDP vows to destroy small business and Canada Post! Get back to work!

Glenn C
said

Probing the back to work legislation? Get with it Layton, this country needs to get moving again! People DO want to start back to work! Thank goodness you are not the PM Layton, you would be like Iggy and screw the whole thing up.

unknowntopeople
said

This is why we do NOT want NDP as a ruling government. God help Canada if these imbeciles ever won a majority government.!!!

gm
said

"hates the workers"... wow who voted these clowns to official oposition. shame on you.

rosebud
said

What part of the word NO don't you understand Jack?

secondhandlion
said

I just returned from a visit to Mexico, where I find a cook working 8hrs a day recieves 100 pesos. In case you can't do the math that is $8.00 per DAY. That is where we should ship every one of these greedy union assholes. Let them live on a meal of beans and rice (1 meal) every third day.

sandy
said

I just read the latest pol on here, and this will not help the NDP. They are so out of touch with how the common person thinks. I want the postal workers back to work, so do many small businesses. What does the NDP have against small business

Yup
said

I am not sure if people remember but the Post Office LOCKED these people out they are not on strike but in fact are locked out form doing there jobs.

smlbusowner
said

As a small business owner who has made his own way in life, coming to Canada with no money, worked hard, smart and taken risks to get ahead,...this whole thing disgusts me. How dare these unions think that its okay for business like mine to suffer. It is very simple. If you don't like your job or think you should be paid more. Just quit and go get another job. If you don't have the fortitude to better yourself and or find a better job be grateful for what you have. do not try to blackmail the rest of us.

Ron
said

How many would walk 15 to 20k a day 5 days a week with 25 kg on your back regardless of the weather for $19 an hr? And then after you finish the day you are forced to go back out and do another 5k on forced overtime. I doubt very few. Easy to hide behind your computer and criticize but walk a mile in their shoes.The work is grueling, management is dictatorial and oppressive, while the CEO and executives receive an ever increasing salary.

Lorne
said

It's obvious an agreement won't be reached, regardless of which side is at fault. Legislate the workers back to work and let an arbitrator resolve the dispute.Both sides have dug in their heels and refuse to move so the ability to negotiate a settlement is just about non-existent.

Richard D
said

So, just to make sure I have this correct: The NDP runs in the last election with the slogan, "Ottawa is broken. We need to fix it." And to show what he means by "fixing" Ottawa, Layton will...pull the same parliamentary tricks that he blasted the other parties for?

DaniMoney
said

Thank you NDP! Someone needs to stop Lisa Raitt. The only way to have a strong economy is to have a strong middle class. I fully support the postal workers. Stay strong / you have RIGHTS!

acchk
said

if NDP is opposing this bill,then it is dirty polotics.Oppostion is not the party to oppose everythings.U have to see the interest of the people.

Colin
said

You people are un-informed. They want to take their pensions, let's see you give up your income at 65. I can't wait until more of you conservatives loose your jobs and your benefits.

Northgirl
said

Perhaps all of you who voted in the NDP should have given it some serious thought....they are a completely out to lunch....I'm afraid what will happen to this country with these rednecks as our official opposition...

Brian fro AB
said

Well I know I just moved the rest of my bills over to electronic billing. The CUPW keeps this up and a large part of workers will simply loose their jobs due to becoming obsolete. I also think CUPW should be on the hook for late fees people encounter with there bills.

Tom
said

CPC management should fire all those unhappy union workers and replace them with any one willing to work. The government should then fire the incompetent management who cannot manage their workers and unable to provide portal services to Canadians. The government better ensure those incompetent management are not receiving any year-end bonus or fat golden parachute.

ACCHK
said

No only our PM hates postal worker but every citizen is hating CPWU.People r not geeting labour at minimum wages where as postal worker is getting good wages.If the labour union is coming like this,the day will come that all services will be in hands of union.

Frank in NS
said

Big mistake Jack! This is the first of many that will lead to your dimise in the next election. Essential services must be continued for the good of all Canadians. Get used it it.

Jay
said

Unions are a double edged sword. They're designed to protect employees, but because those employees are often as greedy as their employers, they usually abuse the system in order to manipulate the system and extort those employers. Eventually a compromise is reached reluctantly, and unfortunately companies are forced to increase their prices beyond the previous rate of expected inflation in order to maintain profit ratios while increasing salaries, which effectively extorts the general public as a whole and the average consumer who can barely afford to stay out of debt as it is. Hypothetically speaking, even if I were offered a six figure salary, I would never work for a company like Walmart because of their anti-union policies, but at the same time I can't resist shopping there because they're one of few companies who can actually offer affordable competitive pricing. It's the store I hate to love, but can any rational consumer who isn't wealthy actually justify paying more for something than they have to based on some arbitrary righteous morality of not wanting to support a company which supposedly mistreats it's employees? The way I see it nobody is forced to work for any company in the first place, so each individual has to assume responsibility for their own actions and find another seemingly better job if they're dissatisfied or feel short-changed by their employer.

apihockey.com
said

To make this complex situation simple... the good of the many out-way the good of the few. I'm one of many small business owners that will be bankrupt should this labor dispute carries on. The government must intervene to save us while the union demands carry on. Hey union, there are quite a few people in this country that would be very appreciative in taking over your jobs during this work shortaged recession. Take what you have and get back to work so that many more thousands ca do their work!!!!

Salt and Vinegar
said

What is the right thing to do - let the workers strike and cause all of Canada grief with the mail system - for months, or force a solution and have all of Canada functioning? A solution will come anyways over 6 months - why not just force a solution in 1 week instead?

Christy, from Sudbury
said

The frusturating thing about this article is that it focuses only on the issue of pay. The union is not fighting just for pay. They want to keep sick leave. (Do you really want sick people handling your mail? Can a sick person really walk the postal routes they do? Handle forklifts?) They want to expand services to the public, thus creating jobs and helping keep the postal service viable in the future. They want to reduce compulsary overtime. They want to protect pensions. These are important things and they are important not just for the workers.I am not part of any union, but I know that having strong unions is good for all of us.

E Dalzell
said

I wonder if the NDP is so short sighted that they foregt about the people on fixed income getting their money. Not everybody is on direct deposit. And I'm not sure how this supports the union who was locked out by Canada Post.

Judy
said

I am sick and tired of unions and their antics to get more money. In my town the post office sometimes is more of a joke. The workers make so many mistakes. I am glad for legislation to get the back to work and back to the real world. Things are tough all over and why should they get more when they do not do more work. Minimum wage is still too low for workers who work much, much harder than postal workers. Abolish all unions and I will be happy and make it a more level working field.

WatchDawg
said

There goes Jack pandering to the unions at the expense of Canadians who rely on the mail.As I recall, Taliban Jack attempted to sell out the Canadian soldier in favour of the Taliban in Afghanistan.And yet ~30% of Canadians somehow find this appealing. Thankfuly ~70% of Canadians DID NOT vote for this man.

steven
said

shameless NDP!!!

Nancy BC
said

Layton has not got a grip on reality. He doesn't get that his "workers" are hurting small business. Seems to me they could be considered the little guy not his big bad corporations. Government does not create jobs, the private sector does. Layton will flame out in the next four years and probably give us a good laugh in the process.

Marc
said

And yet the NDP was super cool with sending Air Canada workers back to work, since their convention in Vancouver was coming up and they needed to make sure all their party members could fly out there.So you only support unions when it won't have any impact on your own life or political party eh, Mr. Layton?I seem to recall the NDP saying they support small businesses as well, who are now in deep trouble because of this strike and can't get their products or send out their merchandise without paying an extravagant fee from Fedex and the other shipping companies.Tsk tsk tsk...

mmmm in Canada
said

Thanks Quebec. Now the rest of Canada has to put up with NDP socialism and big headed, chest pounding Layton. This socialist crap is getting to be to much already, sit down Jack and stop talking. You are killing Canada already with your NDP crap. I think we need a civil uprising to protest the NDP way of doing things. Look what socialism did to Greece.

KH
said

To the NDP: Be ashamed to try to delay the back to work order! It is absolutely wrong, that public organisations have the right to strike. Why? Because there are inocent people to be molested and have nothing to do with the fighting partners. In many countries public organisation workers cannot strike and this is right.Get rid of the small minded top members of the party and save the party for more intelligent people!

Jack Rich Taste.
said

Jack Layton...what about the thousands of self employed and small--medium businesses that depend on the mail...they are now losing their shirts....oh..I forgot you now only care for the rich..you can NOT relate to the small guy, enjoy your short stay at "Stornaway"...do not forget to max out your expense account....oh you are an expert at that ?

Rosanna
said

the union is a joke in the REAL WORLD, there used to be a time it helped employees now it just helps ITS SELF to the greed for more of this and that, 20 bucks an hr is not a bad job and with sick leave and benefits, if these employees do not stop with these stupid strikes they will lose whats left of their jobs, think about the auto sector it was RUINED by the union, think about that the next time you get asked to join one.

Sanu Jacob
said

My passport sent for visa stamping using the Canada post service is currently on-hold, and being a foreign national I may be in trouble if the strike is not resolved very soon. It's really creating a Bad impression for Canada in the outside world. SJ

Sam C
said

Layton persists in the notion that Unions and workers have rights, and corporations/employers are evil. The fact is that both parties have rights. In this case, negotiations have been ongoing for nine months, with no resolution. The workers began strike action -- which is their right, then the company locked the workers out -- which is their right. How Jack thinks that "allowing negotiations to proceed" is the right course of action betrays both his bias and his myopic view of the real world.

Another Canadian
said

NDP civility. I don't think so!! They will prolong this knowing they can't stop or change it (and ultimately wanting it to pass themselves so they can send their mail) and trying to score browny points with the blue collar masses. The NDP, like all politicians, do whatever they can to look good and stay in their position. If by chance they actually do some good, that's gravy.

Staci - Calgary
said

How many people are going to lose their jobs because of this strike. Not the posties, but small business owners who must lay off workers because revenue is down, no one is going to bail out the small business owner. Expect to see unemployment go up because people have to lay off employees to stay afloat. NDP do yourselves a favor and support the government that is doing what is best for the majority of Canadians, not 48,000 employees who already make better money than most.

Gman
said

Really Jack??? What about the workers that will be laid off in all the small businesses that rely on CPC to deliver payments?NDP - Canadians left behind to support big union lobby groups.More Canadians are employed by small businesses than in unions!More Canadians left behind y the nutty left!

Craig
said

Indeed, this strike is ridiculous. Equally important, the people who deliver mail are over paid. How would they like to work for minimum wage. They should be happy with the money they are making. Truly, don't try and put the blame on PM Harper. What a joke!

chel in the Peg
said

So if Harper "hates the workers" , I guess it's fair to say the NDP hates non-union workers.

Robert FRech
said

not every one has computers to do on line banking and bill paying. this is a burden on seniors who cannot pay their bills. lets go government get the mail flowing

Steve
said

The Government should open the jobs at Canada Post to competition. Let the unemloyed come and take these jobs. There will be 10 applicants for every job and the ones who are hired will be grateful for the work and the high wages. The current crop of posties can then get into the real world and see what it is really like. The NDP position is so ridiculous it is not even worth talking about.

PBW
said

So much for the improved civility in Parliament Layton was talking about, when he lets his critics use words like "hate" to refer to our PM. And please get over it the percentage business. Our CONSTITUTION says that the person winning the most votes gets the seat, and the party with the most seats forms the government. It would not matter if only 10% of the population voted; if the votes were cast the same way as with a 60% turnout, there would still be a conservative government. The fact remains, we have a majority government, that government wants to legislate the postal workers back to work so that non-unionised small business - the backbone of our economy when it comes to number of employees - do not lose so much that they go under and put, potentially, hundreds of thousands of workers on EI, just to satisfy a few thousand of postal workers who, on average, earn at least twice the average small business worker. Yes, some pigs really are more equal than others, and the NDP only supports the fat ones, ignoring the non-unionised workers that form the major part of the non-governmental workforce of this nation.

Mark J.
said

It's so childish and immature to use the excuse, "Only 40 percent of Canadians voted for Harper." Far less voted for the NDP, so why do they think they should shove their philosophy down own throats? Get over it, you lost. Quit using the childish slogan.

michael
said

its good for jack to prolong the issues on the strike if for no other reason then for media coverage . i was talking to individuals from the regina legislatior, and the media, tv newspaper and even radio will not give any exposure or coverage too the ndp opposition they shut them out. so much for corpoate right wing facist democracey

leo
said

didnt hitler start this way , taking the rights away from a small group of folks for the good of the country? Mr harper you should of just told the posties that you were the one behind the corperation treatment of thier sick and injuried and thier family members going without health benifits and said in the beginning to them. You will get only what i want to give so bequiet and get to work

Sue from Woodstock
said

The NDP doesn't seem to realize that they are the opposition in a majority parliament, which means that although they have more seats than before, they have less power now i.e. ZERO!Thank goodness the Conservatives can legislate the postal workers back to work and end this stupidity!

Gerry from MB.but not NDP.
said

Jack we will not let you and the loon unions make Canada into an other Greece.

anon4
said

DO we need any more proof as to why the NDP will NEVER form a government in this country?

pamela rekasi
said

angry that I voted for Jack, this strike is hurting everyone, the unions have no place, they need to get back to work, they had their place 100 years ago now they are money hungry theives. sort out your issues which are not worth the money you are making everyone lose, they should be considered a essential service cause other people livelihoods depend on them, are the unions going to feed my kids next week cause my business suffered

D
said

I know I will never vote for the NDP in the next few elections, Jump on the bandwagon Jack.

Paul
said

Harper does not hate workers, Harper wants winning workers to get back to work.... Most crown corporation are over paid anyway... And the NDP, well they don't even know what they are talking about. If it would be up to them the whole country would be on picket lines, and min wage would be $20/hr, and then we would be broke like Greece.

Frank
said

Harper will just invoke closure. The bill will pass before the end of the week.

Chris
said

If half the people commenting here had any idea how stupid their comments seem to " us uneducated, overpaid , coffee drinkers" they might refrain from posting such stupidity.70% of employees don't want the strike, yet have to go along with the masses. Strap on a mailbag, after sorting & prepping mail for 2 hrs, then head out in any kind of weather hoping to not slip & fall on someone's driveway , cause they're too busy posting comments on something they have no idea about.To hell with the Letter Carrier they are pais enuff, they can trudge thru my driveway while I give my intelectual feedback on something else I know nada about. 37 yrs at C P C God I'm tired of coffee!!!

polomolokguy
said

Yes,shut it down. Get rid of the union and hire non-union staff.This is just a political football game.

Mac1
said

Mr Layton ... its fine to stand up for the rights of workers... but at what cost - this strike has cost the Post Office over $100 million but more importantly it has costs tens of millions of dollars in costs or lost revenues to small business'..... what about their rights ! ??? Mr. Layton - you can huff and puff (like you usually do) but you arent going to blow this House down !

Brad
said

And some of you thought giving NDP seats was good...............NDP NO DEBT PLAN Never Debate Politics Not done Providing SPEND SPEND SPEND

Brian Mouland
said

The country has been through this song and dance with CUPW before. Simple, Canada Post has become dated and ineffective for years, these strike is another nail in the coffin.

trunorth
said

Some people insist on shooting themselves in the foot. Guess the NDP haven't seen, don't believe, or don't care about the most recent poll results.

Andre from Owen Sound
said

How can the NDP justify their objection to the posty back to work order, when they hardly did anything about the Air Canada back to work order. They are just showing their true colors.I would not give the posies any raise or consescions. Get back to work or stay out. This is not union bashing...It is whinners bashing.

Chris
said

I never thought I would be so solidly in support of a union, especially CUPW but I am. This was series of rolling 24-hr strikes that escalated the dispute but little real impact on the public. Canada Post locked them out. Cons legislating them back with imposed settlement. Issue not about postal workers anymore, it's about basic rights in Canada. WAKE UP Canada - harbinger of things to come. Who will be next??

sandy
said

i voted for the NDP in the last election but now jack it is time for you to give it up. my wages are just above the poverty line and i thought the ndp would be good for wage erners on the lower end of the scale. you may get all the votes from the postal union in the next election jack, but you will never get mine again.

Elizabeth Dixon, Pickering
said

While the NDP fight on behalf of the 48,000 Canada Post employees...who is fighting on behalf of the 34 million Canadians held up for ransom by these employees! As the official opposition party their role is to oppose the government by criticizing government policies, suggesting alternatives and keeping the public informed about issues relating to government administration. The NDP method of "suggesting alternatives" is to "Hold up" the back to work debate! How about suggesting some alternatives to end this stand off! How about moving into the 21st century and re-evaluating the role of unions in today's society. How about considering the affect and impact this strike has had on all Canadians...all who have been dragged into this without any consultation or consideration as to their hardship. It is all about these poor done by workers. We do have the labour board and labour laws. What I see with unions today is a bully in the school yard making demands. Give me what I want or else. And I'm not saying Canada Post is innocent in this either. If the two parties have been trying to negotiate for over 7 months and are unable to reach an agreement, striking is not the answer. An arbitrator is...and let cooler heads prevail. And our federal/provincial governments should be consulting with the labour board in regards to the rights of employees and employers when negotiating contracts and introducing rules and laws that make unions obsolete.

SB from Hamilton
said

This is the first time I have ever agreed with the Harper gov't (and probably the last). However, Canada Post and it's employees need to get back to work. Neither side can hold the public hostage any longer. If an arbitrator is appointed to resolve things, then that is fair. The NDP need to get out of the way on this one.

Adam
said

@ Take it and be quiet. Can I assume that you received your university education in Alberta? Your grammar is at a 5th grade level. I hope you're not planning to work for the postal service any time soon...

MikeInBC
said

7 weeks vacation a year! Who gets that??? Higher absenteeism than any other sector....that deserves a raise???

Brian Fr Langley
said

You union supporters are forgetting one thing. Small business is almost entirely dependant on receiving cheques for their goods and services in the MAIL. No mail, no cheques, no cheques, no pay for small business employees, "yep, that's really helping Canada's working people???

Harold
said

Jack Layton and the NDP have lost my vote for the next election. Get those overpaid hacks back to work!

George in Calgary
said

This kind of action by the NDP just hurts Canadians in general. They only represent those in big unions and careless about others continually hurt by strikes and slow downs. If you want a better paying job or one with better benefits then look around . . . . you may find that what you have is the best you can get. So get back to work and be happy with what you have.

GET REAL
said

Get your lazy asses back to work and be happy you have a damned job! In my opinion, Canada post workers are already paid far too much for the work they put out! They are too dumb to realise that this strike is only accelerating their demise and leading them straight to the unemployed line-ups!

adam
said

Silly Jack. Harper only hates workers that make more than minimum wage. How else can Harper appease his non-Canadian puppetmasters?

Mark
said

...and let the games begin!! Jack Layton and his amazing technicolor NDP party have now begun to display their new 'civility' with accusations that the Conservative Party "hates workers"??? What's next Jack, Stephen Harper eats small children?This will be a brief and comedic flirtation with the NDP on the Federal stage. Over the course of the next few years Canadians (and sadly, Quebecors) will realize the gross mistake that they've made-and we'll see the NDP back on the margins where Socialists belong.Tell me, where in the world is socialism blossoming? Greece? Italy? Spain? Portugal? If you need any further education about what happens when you engage the 'holy protected worker' take a look over to Europe.No thanks. I'm not buying what Jack and his acolytes are peddling.

Annoyed with the NDP
said

The NDP aren't fighting on behalf of these workers, they are fighting on behalf of a union that wouldn't let it's members vote on the last proposal from Canada Post. CUPW NEB - if you are so unhappy with the prospect of your members being forced back to work for an offer than is less than what the company is currently offering than take the currently tabled offer to the membership immediately. Why risk their future for your own agenda. Seriously, this is all still within your control.Let these people do the job that many of them just want to get back to doing.

Ryan
said

I've lost all respect for Layton & the NDP. During the election they kept going on about supporting and helping SMALL businesses. My business is suffering thanks to this Canada Post issue, something Layton and the NDP don't care about.Here's hopping they finish 5th next election!

Mike/Very angry
said

So much for the small business owner, to heck with them said the NDP. So my daughter will lose her business and many others.The NDP are only siding with the unions, this is shameful.If my daughter could sue she would sue the union and the NDP.Just remember Jack the younger generation will not forget as they are adding up your mistakes for the next four years.You do not deserve to represent anyone.

Lem
said

This Godin guy is a joke. First he claims Harper hates workers, then rants about the percentage garbage again. How are we suppose to take the NDP seriously when they have people like Godin working for them?Time to get back to work. Canadians want their mail already! This is taking way too long!

Paul
said

The Union should have agreed to the latest offer by CP last week. Now they shall live with the consequences and have no choices then to go back to work.

Marcel NWO
said

The true NDP have arrived to take over where the Liberals left off. To make statements like "Harper hates the workers is totally wrong. As if Harper would wake up in the morining and make a statement that he hates the workers just to make this become a personal attack. Layton and the NDP have not changed they are the same --- they support unions even when it negatively affects the people of Canada. Keep the stike going to win some points but in the end it will only hurt the NDP.

Ontario
said

My take on Layton's position is that if you don't work in a union p*%s on you. Great that you're all up in arms about the poor 'underpaid' postal workers (boo hoo), but what about the rest of Canada? You know, the self-employed who really on CP to make a living. Or Joe Blow working hard for what he makes and proud and grateful for it. Guess they don't count.

C
said

Harper "hates the workers". Welcome to the new era of NDP civility.

MIkeW
said

Again Layton shows he is out of touch with reality. 4 years from now the Liberals will form the official opposition and Layton and his group will again be sidelined.

Tim
said

Jack Layton, you are out if touch with the real world. You will never form a Government, because of stupid things you say and do. Give your head a shake. Maybe you should hand over some of your money to the unions, since you are so pro-union, and then they can all get back to work.

Dean in Abby
said

The NDP is a joke. Stop screwing around with the mail. Get it going or shut it down completely.

Regina Guy
said

This goes on any longer and it won't matter how much they get for a raise as it will take them forever to earn the lost money back while they have been on strike/locked out. That is assuming that they don't get paid for their leisure time on the pickets.

Anne
said

The NDP is such a dinosaur. They need to remember that "the needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few or the one".

Terry
said

Get them back to work, sitting all day drinking coffee is all they do. Trust the NDP to come up with hair brained remarks. The PM and the rest of us are fed up with the childish antics of CUPW. We all want workers who are grateful they have a job and do a good job not just put in time. I havent missed the postal service at all, maybe they should just stay out.

Bill
said

To hold the rest of Canada hostage cause you want more ! Selfish greedy people ......

Take it and be quiet
said

A princely sum for a job requiring a grade 10 education. In the real world we've had our wages frozen for 3 years now and that's for someone who completed university. The greed of public sector workers is astonishing. Harper my not hate the posties but I sure do. I would fire them all and let them fend for themselves in the world of burger flipping which is about all most of them are qualified to do. Jack Layton is just a tool.

P. Binet Kamloops, BC
said

It's time the posties and the NDP get a grip that these strikes are not good for Canada. The posties also need to understand that we are one of the most expensive costs for mail in the world. Typical NDP move to side with unions over the good for Canadians, it does matter what it costs us Canadians as long as the unions get there way.

The Crafts Outlet
said

I would like to know where we can sign up for the class action lawsuit that would represent our rights as a small internet business?We got swept away with internal company drama of a monopolized company. Who should we sue for the $10K loss of sales this week? We had to refund about 300 customers this week, is Canada Post going to pay for this, the union, or better yet, the government? Who is responsible for our losses. Who is going to pay my bill this month? Is the NDP going to have a package for business like ours that had to totally close down? Canada post workers are crying about exercising their right to strike, what about our right to earn an honest living! Which rights do we have as customers? (and no, UPS, FedEx are not feasible options for our type of business)The right to strike is null and void when you work for a monopolized company that kills hundreds of small business by a lock out. This is disgusting and unbelievable that a free country like Canada would allow such repulsive destructive action by few greedy overpaid bottom feeders! It is also more repulsive that the NDP wants to stretch out our losses instead of remedying this awful situation. I would never vote NDP as long as live!

TEA from Sask
said

So much for a cooperative approach in Parliament...it's OK to 'defend' the overpaid postal workers, but not to help the 1000's of small business people screwed by the strike...typical NDP hypocrisy...

Laurie
said

Godin, that is a most ignorant comment...(that Harper "hates" the workers) I don't think it could get more inflammatory than that. My gosh, NDP has taken over the megaphone of the Liberals.

Ava
said

OH come on here NDP are TRYING to help the workers here..we live in Canada dont we? land of the free, free speach and more we all have rights here and think if you were in this situation would you like to be orderd back to work even if you knew that it wasn't the best thing to do? umm think about it. I am not for the unions really and would like to get my mail as well but we still have rights here in canada and they should be respected plan and smiple. i hope like heck next election time comes around no more Tores haha

Stu
said

It's nice to see a party fighting for the rights of the people, Harper wants to dictate to the people & give our hard earned tax dollars to big business. $19 per hour should be a minimum wage in this country. Someone at this wage gives 25% to the government then another 50% for rent or a mortgage doesn't leave much for living expenses.

Jogc
said

Gov't and staff getting 25% raises and ordinary workers refused 3% by the gov't which should have no say. HMMM......

Larry I Ontario
said

Thank goodness Harper has a majority so he does not need to listen to the NDP garbage. Harper should go one step further and fire alll these workers and put Canadians that want to work into these jobs.

Disgruntled Picketer.
said

I'm a Postal worker forced to pay union dues. In the last strike we got legislated back to work for less money then was on the table. The question really is why is the union so stupid as to not understand that this is a serious risk they take?Twice now, I have lost two weeks pay to get less. God these union leaders could clearly be a MP in Quebec.

patrice
said

At this point we are all losing; but we are saving some trees. Everyone have the right to strike, but, at what cost. The government posing back to work legislation will help Canada Post worker in the future. Canada Post is already losing millions. The longer worker takes to get back to work, the fewer hours they will receive to work in the future. We are in a technology world after all; individual and other companies are already discovering better cost efficient ways to operate without Canada Post Since this strik!

M.M.B. Ont
said

"I think Stephen Harper hates the workers," Godin said. This is a pretty strong accusation against the Prime Minister and Godin better be careful in what he is saying. The people are speaking out against this strike and support back to work legislation. Some of the postal workers want to get back to work as well and are against this strike. However the NDP are not listening to the people of Canada. The NDP think they have been elected as the gov't. And I for one am getting tired of this broken record of saying that only 40% voted for the Conservatives. Well less than 30% voted for the NDP so that leaves another 30% who voted for the Liberals, Green and any other party that was running. Keep this up NDP and you will find yourselves at the bottom of the pile in the next election!

David H in Ottawa
said

Once again, the NDP jump the bandwagon. I can't figure out why people are surprised of this move by the NDP, its common ground for them? I've followed the feedback posted here on CTV regarding the postal strike; it's very obvious that the people of Canada are tired striking (union) workers that are closely associated to the general public. Perhaps our government should be reading these articles feedback to understand how we all feel?

Sting
said

You didn't take a postie job when it was $25.00, why would you take it for less?

Ron
said

The NDP keep harping on the fact that only 40% of Canadians voted for the Conservatives. Well, that means only 30% voted NDP and 70% did not. I guess if you want Jack to fight for you, you must belong to a union.

voter
said

I regret voting NDP now in the last election. Sigh....

Enough
said

Arbitrator, finally! I am tired of hearing about "woo is me attitude" from the workers who are in a Union. If you don't like the job or the pay.. do what the rest of us do, get a career change or work elsewhere...it's simple. Enough of the Unions holding the general public hostage for their demands. Their time of usefulness has long since passed.

G
said

Stephen Harper "hates the workers"? Why do some politicians use extreme words like "hate?" I am thankful that the postal workers are being legislated back. It's about time! I do not think the postal union looks good for throwing the strike and influencing the stop of mail. Some people rely on the mail and don't care about your petty concerns. Life is not fair, so roll with the punches and get back to work! And as far as my first statement. I really think that the NDP is trying too hard and are going to and are looking stupid defending the postal union. Now let's get this legislation passed!

Rob WATSON
said

$19 Bucks a hour, 15 Days sick leave, Pensions. WHAT ARE THEY STIKING FOR?

Bruce A. -Caibou, BC
said

Unions are a waste. They encourage laziness - heaven forbid you want to work hard because if you do, the union will tell you to stop making the others look bad. They take your money and only cater to the slugs where I work at.

makethemwork
said

I agree with sending them back to work, as clearly this is in the best interest of the rest of Canada and its citizens. After all why are they complaining, they make more money than most people in Canada and have better benefits. What a waste of Canada's time! We have just come off one of the worse recessions in Canadian history, were thousands of people have lost their jobs and are really struggling financially right now and the Posties want more money to deliver useless mail to these people. SELFISH PEOPLE!

Original Canadien
said

So in effect, Layton has decided that the union workers are more important than the rest of Canada. If he thinks he will be elected as a government, he's got another thing coming. It goes to show you the socialists don't actually care about others (which is what socialism is supposed to be) but only themselves. Hypocrytes!

MS in Ottawa
said

Harper doesn't hate workers he hates spoiled workers that complain at getting a raise, any raise, during a world-wide economic catastrophe that is still unfolding currently. Harper and most Canadians hate those people.

Dart
said

The NDP are out of touch with Canadians.

makethemwork
said

1.75% raise and 1.5 the following year is a lot bigger raise than I have had in the past 6 or 7 years combined. Count your blessings Posties!

Montreal Marco
said

This is why thankfully the NDP didnt form the government, these workers should be happy they have a job and get back to work, last time I checked canadapost was in business to make money unlike what the ndp wants which is to give all profits to the workers, does that make sense jack ?

Dustin Ellis
said

19 bucks an hour to deliver mail. I will take there job is they dont want it.

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Labour Minister Lisa Raitt appears on CTV's Power Play on Monday, May 28, 2012.

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