Unions across the country were threatening job action in support of CUPE — including in Ford's beloved and critical auto sector
TORONTO — Ontario Premier Doug Ford was staring down a gathering storm of indefinite school closures, a new law nobody obeyed and warnings of widespread, economy-disrupting work stoppages when he decided last weekend that there was only one way out.
The government passed legislation Thursday that imposed a contract on the workers and banned them from striking. The law included the controversial notwithstanding clause– which allows a government to override Charter rights for a five-year period – to guard against constitutional challenges. The Canadian Press spoke to several people close to the negotiations, including senior government and union officials, whose interviews provide a glimpse into a frenzied nine-day battle that ultimately ended with both sides convinced to holster their strongest weapons. "Our government is willing to rescind the legislation ... but only if CUPE agrees to show a similar gesture of good faith by stopping their strike,'' he said.
After months of tense bargaining, the union announced on Oct. 30, that members would go on strike in five days if a deal wasn't reached. The government presented a new offer, but also said if CUPE didn't cancel strike plans, legislation would be tabled to impose contracts. Behind the scenes, Ford and his top lieutenants had decided to stall the bill as they waited to hear back from CUPE.
CUPE education workers and supporters hit picket lines Friday, largely outside politicians' offices. Hundreds of thousands of children had to stay home, despite the government pledge to "keep kids in class." Meanwhile, labour leaders – some friendly to Ford's government, others less so – began whispering pleas and warnings in his ear.
The pro-Ford unions were urging the premier to give both sides a way out of an indefinite strike by promising to repeal the law so long as CUPE ended its walkout. Other unions, such as Unifor, were pushing a similar message, but with a caveat that government inaction would result in "mass resistance."
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