tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8332706231179330796.post3634776608380046818..comments2024-03-11T14:32:24.872-07:00Comments on Labour & Employment in Alberta: So what is behind Bill 45?Bob Barnetsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12164225489620639641noreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8332706231179330796.post-47678960586611702722013-12-09T10:50:09.760-08:002013-12-09T10:50:09.760-08:00Bob, great analysis. Let me add a couple of point...Bob, great analysis. Let me add a couple of points to #3. Redford’s government may have been trying to recapture the votes they lost to the Wildrose by demonstrating a hard line on labour and likely expected a repeat of what’s happened in the past—the unions would be isolated with only NDP and Liberal support and the public would yawn. What the PCs did not bank on was the Wildrose siding with the unions, the NDP and the Liberals. <br /><br />The Wildrose ended up in this position not because they’re courting the union vote, but because they believe in the sanctity of contract and due process of law. It’s fundamental to the efficient functioning of the marketplace. (Incidentally I’m not a Wildroser...just making observations). <br /><br />The PCs overplayed their hand. Bills 45 and 46 are egregious. The opposition parties (with the help of the WR) managed to convey the evils of these bills to the media and a good chunk of the public who now see this legislation for what it is—an attack on our civil liberties in an effort to crush the unions for the reasons you’ve outlined in your post. <br /><br />Thanks for keeping the spotlight on this very serious matter. It will be interesting to see how this all plays out. <br /><br />--Susan Wright<br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com