‘Canadian Unions punched bully Ford…in the face’: Canadians react to Ford's repeal of controversial CUPE strike law
The Canadian Union of Public Employees' (CUPE) announced Monday that they will end their mass walkout on Tuesday after Premier Doug Ford offered to rescind the controversial Bill 28 legislation that made the strike illegal.
Laura Walton, president of CUPE Ontario School Board Council of Unions, said that education workers will return to schools on Tuesday.
"This is just the beginning," Walton said. "Our commitment to the people of Ontario, to the parents, to the kids, is we are going back to the table with open minds, open hearts and we're ready to negotiate, and we call on the government to do the exact same."
Ford said in a news conference Monday morning that he will rescind legislation that took away the rights of CUPE education workers if they stop their strike
"I urge CUPE to continue to talk with us at the bargaining table, we're willing to make a fair deal, one that offers more help for lower income workers. We want a deal that's fair for students, fair for workers, fair for parents and fair for tax payers," he said.
The Toronto District School Board announced that students will be back in class alongside education workers.
"I'm glad CUPE has agreed to withdraw its strike action so kids can return to class. We'll be back at the table to negotiate to a fair deal—for students, parents, workers and taxpayers," Ford tweeted after CUPE's announcement.
I’m glad CUPE has agreed to withdraw its strike action so kids can return to class. We’ll be back at the table to negotiate a fair deal — for students, parents, workers and taxpayers.
— Doug Ford (@fordnation) November 7, 2022
Although many people see this as a win for labour unions, others still believe that this move takes the unions and the government to square one. However, CUPE has also pointed out that it is willing to serve strike notice again if talks with the Ford government devolve again. The Union is still in a strike position.
Here is what people are saying about CUPE's decision to end the strike.
Doug blinked
Important
The majority of Ontarians don’t support his ridiculous, kleptocratic policies. And the majority have power when we work together.— David Fisman (@DFisman) November 7, 2022
I see some questioning CUPE’s decision to halt strikes.
My sense is it’s a good move. You limit the risk of public sentiment turning against you while keeping future strike action on the table.
And you get Ford back at the table and a shot at a fair deal for workers.— David Moscrop: Subscribe to my Substack. It’s fun! (@David_Moscrop) November 7, 2022
CUPE's Laura Walton says future strikes are NOT off the table. They're now in a legal strike position.
'Worker power remains, and it builds every single day...This is just the beginning."— Ahmar Khan (@AhmarSKhan) November 7, 2022
The takeaway from what the unions say is they showed their collective power, a complete and utter refute of Bill 28. The collective unions say they will look at the CUPE-OSBCU negotiations very closely.
"When you come for one of us, you come for all of us."— Ahmar Khan (@AhmarSKhan) November 7, 2022
all the credit in the world to CUPE workers for forcing doug ford to reverse his decision to crush workers’ rights.
that being said… failing to harness the momentum of this moment and pushing forward with a general strike is a mistake.#CUPESolidarity #GeneralStrikeON #CUPE https://t.co/8ydQUAp3s4— channing julien ☭ (@channingj) November 7, 2022
For the record, I would have participated in #GeneralStrikeON - and I still will if this goes south again. I am livid by Bill 28, which is still on the books as of now. A loss of rights for any of us is a loss of rights for ALL OF US.
— Krista (@kristatee) November 7, 2022
[TODAY IN HISTORY] Canadian Unions punched bully Ford government in the face, for trying to take workers’ rights away.
#onpoli #cupestrike #CUPEStrong #CUPESolidarity #GeneralStrikeON #OntEd #39kIsNotEnough— Mr. Tshweu (@TshweuMoleme) November 7, 2022
FYI @fordnation - we are one of the biggest private sector unions in the province, and NO, we do not have a “good relationship.” We are with @CUPEOntario @cupenat #39kIsNotEnough #ONLab
— United Steelworkers (@SteelworkersCA) November 7, 2022
Here's hoping CUPE demands binding arbitration, because the government has proven they have no intention of negotiating in good faith. It's only because of the public outrage of the use of the #notwithstandingclause that @fordnaton is entertaining recinding it. #GeneralStrikeON https://t.co/tK2xG8PcCv
— ScribeTribe (@ScribeTribeX) November 7, 2022
In other words, the Ford government is willing to back down, at least for now, in the face of overwhelming and broad labour pressure and public support for workers.
Keep the boot on the government's neck, folks. It's working.— David Moscrop: Subscribe to my Substack. It’s fun! (@David_Moscrop) November 7, 2022
Translation: “We’ll stop taking away your rights if you promise not to use them.” If you’re as willing to negotiate as you claim, @fordnatio, just do that. #onted #GeneralStrikeON https://t.co/f0Fsy0MWbk
— Stuart Laidlaw (@stuart_laidlaw) November 7, 2022
JUST IN: CUPE is suspending its picket lines in exchange for Doug Ford repealing Bill 28.
It was prime time for a #GeneralStrikeON . We've won NOTHING in the face of this abhorrent and unprecedented attack on fundamental rights - rescinded or not. What price will Ford pay?— Wali Abro (@voteWali) November 7, 2022
This is absolutely beautiful. Unprecedented solidarity gets the goods! Bill 28 to be repealed!#CUPE #ontsolidarity #GeneralStrikeON #onpoli #onted pic.twitter.com/v7DIXC1Iia
— Darren (@darrenpuscas) November 7, 2022
This is a tactic by the Government to pacify the masses. They are terrified seeing power of unions and people in action and getting wide-spread support. We can demand so much more with #GeneralStrikeON✊🏿✊🏾✊🏽#JusticeforWorkers #onpoli #onted #OnLab #GeneralStrike
— Andrea Vásquez Jiménez (@AndreaVasquezJ) November 7, 2022
Listen, we've already organized child care for the week anyway. CUPE should stay on strike until Doug Ford is backed against a wall and people see what flexing labour power can look like. THEN negotiate. Use the momentum & support!#onpoli #onted #GeneralStrikeON #GeneralStrike
— Hilary Agro 🍄🎃 (@hilaryagro) November 7, 2022
Lol you repealed a tyrannical law you just put into place and wasted all our money for days of useless legislature.
You did this because CUPE collectively pressured you to.
Don’t turn this around like you’re offering something.— Derik Chica (@DerikChica) November 7, 2022
This CUPE victory shows that an extreme majority government still CANNOT have it’s own way as it wishes
— Sandra Quinn (@SandraQ26411803) November 7, 2022
That CUPE press conference was glorious. Haven't been this inspired in a long while! Laura Walton for Prime Minister!!!!
— Sidrah Ahmad Chan (@SidrahMay) November 7, 2022
WATCH
A breakdown of how much Ontario Premier Doug Ford makes in comparison to education workers in the province
