The NDP are promising to fight back-to-work legislation that prevents Ontario Power Generation workers from striking like they’re threatening.
The Ford government is condemning the New Democrats’ resistance to the legislation saying the NDP MPPs are putting the Christmas season at risk.
The Progressive Conservatives are introducing the legislation to ensure power to people is restored in the event of a blackout.
That can’t happen if the OPG workers are picketing.
However, Timiskaming-Cochrane MPP John Vanthof believes the Tories have jumped the gun on the issue.
Vanthof says the NDP favour collective bargaining but adds the Ford government isn’t giving the workers a chance to reach a fair collective agreement with their employer.
While the Tories claim the NDP are putting their special interests first by opposing the legislation, Vanthof countered with the claim that the back-to-work legislation is a Tory tool “to further their (Progressive Conservative) interests.”
Despite any delaying tactics the NDP use with the proposed legislation, Vanthof admits it will pass since the Tories have the majority of the votes.
But Vanthof also says the delaying tactics could give both parties a chance to arrive at a collective agreement before the legislation passes, which is expected to be by the end of the week.
