“The Spotlight” by Local 196
As community nurses we are seldom stationary. We spend numerous hours on the road listening to music, audiobooks, and podcasts. Our local Advocacy and Engagement committee created this podcast to bring important (and hopefully entertaining) information to our members.
“The Spotlight” by Local 196
Episode 6: Government Interference with Public Sector Bargaining with Guest Jason Foster
This episode features an interview between Geri Ruston and Jason Foster. Jason Foster is a director, researcher and policy analyst with the Parkland Institute. With a focus on labour rights and public sector issues, Foster has contributed to several reports examining government interference in public sector bargaining. His recent work addresses Alberta’s Bill 5 (PSEA), legislation that limits workers' rights to bargain and strike collectively, which we will discuss in this podcast. The report highlights five key legislative interventions restricting union power, including back-to-work orders, essential services mandates, and right-to-strike limitations. Foster’s analysis also explores strategies unions can employ to challenge these restrictions, such as increasing bargaining coordination, adopting sectoral bargaining, and addressing the role of the Provincial Bargaining and Compensation Office (PBCO) in negotiations. Through his work, Foster emphasizes the importance of unions organizing effectively and leveraging public support, particularly after the pandemic underscored the value of public sector workers.
Please note, the information, opinions, and recommendations expressed by guests and hosts in this Podcast are their own those don’t necessarily reflect the views of Local 196 or United Nurses of Alberta.
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