I’m very pleased to introduce this petition on behalf of the Unifor 222 workers in my neck of the woods, cleaners with GDI Services who are out on the strike line and who unfortunately have to deal with scab labour right now. This is an anti-scab legislation petition.

“To the Legislative Assembly of Ontario:

“Whereas the use of replacement workers (scab labour) undermines workers’ collective power, unnecessarily prolongs labour disputes, and removes the essential power that the withdrawal of labour is supposed to give workers to help end a dispute, that is, the ability to apply economic pressure;

“Whereas the use of scab labour contributes to higher-conflict picket lines, jeopardizes workplace safety, destabilizes normalized labour relations between workers and their employers and removes the employer incentive to negotiate and settle fair contracts; and

“Whereas strong and fair anti-scab legislation will help lead to shorter labour disputes, safer workplaces, and less hostile picket lines;

“We, the undersigned, petition the Legislative Assembly of Ontario as follows:

“—to prohibit employers from using scab labour for the duration of any legal strike or lockout, specifically banning the use of any employee or contracted worker to perform the duties of a bargaining unit employee;

“—to prohibit employers from using both external scabs (those hired specifically to replace striking or locked-out bargaining unit members) as well as internal scabs (new hires, members of the bargaining unit who might otherwise cross the picket line, or any other employees at any of the employer’s establishments, including managers);

“—to include significant financial penalties for employers who defy the anti-scab legislation; and

“—to allow for the very limited use of temporary workers, only to undertake essential maintenance work to protect the integrity and safety of the workplace, but not to contribute to the ongoing, normal operation of the workplace.”

I wholeheartedly support this petition, will affix my signature and send it to the table with Daniyal.