Is Stephen Harper prepared to wage war on Canada’s unions?

The proposed back-to-work legislation for both Air Canada and Canada Post was a means to protect the "fragile economic recovery, " the Tories argued.

The real agenda, some contend, was to send a message to Canada's unions that a Stephen Harper majority government is not a friend of the labour movement.

The evidence of Harper's disdain for unions seems conclusive - particularly in the case of Air Canada.

On Tuesday morning, Air Canada announced it had not been able to come to terms with the union representing customer service and ticket sales workers.

"In the interim, we have implemented a contingency plan involving more than 1,700 managers to assist at airports and call centres.

"We will continue to operate our full schedule, and all bookings will be honoured," said Duncan Dee, chief operating officer, in a statement.

By Tuesday afternoon, the government announced it would legislate the striking workers back to work.

The decision is perplexing, given the company had announced the private corporation would operate on its full schedule, meaning the effect on the economy was likely negligible.

Tim Harper of the Toronto Star accused the Harper government of bullying the unions.

"Harper is also sending a powerful message to other unions that are trying to protect long-held pension rights and to any public service unions itching for a fight with him over looming government cuts," he wrote.

" . . . An assault on workers' rights is underway."

Economists predict more management-labour strife ahead for Canada, especially in the public sector, as companies and governments remain in austerity mode.

"We've had a fair bit of (labour) peace over the last year and that may well be coming to an end," BMO's deputy chief economist Douglas Porter told the Globe and Mail.

Stephen Harper is showing the unions he won't hesitate to flex his muscles, particularly if the economy is the key target.

(Reuters Photo)