Premier Higgs has ordered striking health care workers back to work and has imposed the threat of massive fines if they fail to follow the rules. Any worker who fails to show up to work could be fined between $480 and $20,400 a day! And CUPE could face a fine of $100,00 a day with no maximum. Mr. Higgs has said the health system has crashed because of the absence of these workers. However, 70% of health care workers who have been deemed “essential,” have remained at work during the strike.

The health care workers on strike have not been deemed to be “essential,” although they represent support staff in vaccination clinics and hospitals, and those providing laundry services to hospitals and nursing homes. Mr. Higgs is threatening additional back-to-work orders or legislation for the rest of CUPE members. However, it is generally recognized that strikes remain vital tools in the protection of workers' rights, to be used when necessary as a last resort. Striking is the most fundamental way in which workers can show their strength and temporary power over the employer in a world where inequality of power dominates the labour market and employment relationship. The right to withold one’s labour is, therefore, a fundamental right that should not be denied. Please join us in a rally to defend the right to strike and to oppose Mr. Higgs’ unjust back-to-work orders and laws.

Come to a rally this Friday, November 12 at 12 noon in King’s Square, Saint John. At this event, masks and social distancing will be a requirement. See you there!