It was reported today by the Toronto Star that Ontario MPP`s passed a law banning Toronto Transit Commission workers from striking.
This declares the TTC as an essential service. Typically, law enforcement or military personnel are classified as essential services. However, this is an interesting move.
In the past the mere threat of a TTC strike caused panic. An actual strike resulted in even more problems. The Toronto Star reported that TTC strikes cost the city $50 million dollars a day.
The question becomes, whether or not it`s fair to take away the right to strike. The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms specifically section 2(d) guarantees the right to associate. Will the TTC challenge the law that bars them from striking? Will courts uphold the law? This will remain to be seen.
