Union News - December 2023
When a union calls a strike, their entire bargaining power is predicated on solidarity on the lines. It is the biggest show of worker power that sends a clear message to the employer that the bidding of the employer cannot be done without the production of their workers. Conversely, the biggest chink in the armour of the union’s bargaining power is when those who feel themselves better than the group fighting for improvements to members’ salaries and benefits choose to break solidarity by doing employer work while their colleagues are striking to help all. It is the weakest worker, the one without morals and the “free-rider” benefiting from everyone else’s hard work that hurts all in the end. How can one think it’s ok to take money from the bosses, while at the same time benefitting on the backs of those who are united to improve everyone’s work lives? They are the lowest of the low.
Gains are made and lost at the table based on the above concept. In an ideal world, there would be no scabs. However, selfishness and lack of moral compass tend to make people do things that are to their own detriment in the long run. Sure, the scabs got full pay – but what the self centered perhaps don’t realize is that every single increase in pay and every single increase in benefit was because of union solidarity. If the scabs actually realize this and scab regardless, that makes them quite worthy of the term scab.
While it would be amazing to have everyone understand that together in 100% solidarity you could achieve anything, that is unlikely to happen with that immoral element existing.
One ray of sunshine in the labour world is that on November 9, 2023, because of a confidence and supply agreement with the NDP, the Liberals introduced Anti-Replacement Worker legislation. This is very important for several reasons. The first, and arguably the best, is that the federally regulated workplaces will not be able to bring in replacement workers to do scab labour and be paid for it while hard working members fight for all. Hopefully this will send a strong message to scabs.
We are facing an onslaught of threats to workers in the coming months and years with the evolution of artificial intelligence (AI) and an election looming before or around our next negotiations begin. Having legislation that obstructs the will of scabs will weaken the employers’ position, levelling the playing field when it comes to bargaining.
It’s unfortunate that we would need such legislation to stop someone from scabbing. It would be much better if we united instead, especially given the future hurdles we will face.
Let us address the issues on why one reaches the point of scabbing:
- “I don’t believe in union or strikes” – Ok, I wish that was not the case, but you don’t have to be a fan of the union, nor do you have to strike. Just don’t do the employers’ bidding as it weakens our position.
- “I don’t think the union gets me what I deserve” – Ok, try negotiating yourself with the boss. Let us know how that goes.
- “I would rather have a non-union job” – Super, apply.
- “But my employer gives really good pay and benefits why do we have to fight?” – Because the employer didn’t “give” you any of the salary and benefits you enjoy. It was all fought for or legislated. The employer has no interest in improving your pay and benefits and this is evidenced by every offer they have proposed through negotiations. Ask them what they thought you should get!
Regardless of a scab’s self-rationale or justification they simply don’t get it and frankly they have no problem trampling over the sacrifices striking workers. Scabs are not your friends! Scabs have taken advantage of you and are riding on your coattails. Scabs have no integrity and if they are willing to take advantage of you and your union, who else do they try to take advantage of?
I don’t know about you, but I will never forget scabs and I hope you don’t either.
Adam Jackson
2nd Vice-President, responsible for Collective Bargaining