A reform of Ontario's labour laws needs to be a key part of the McGuinty government's legislative agenda this fall, says the Toronto and York Region Labour Council. It says that the illegal firing last week of seven construction workers at a local mall development is a reminder that unjust labour laws brought in by the Harris government need to be changed.

"During the election, McGuinty committed to labour reform to restore the rights of working people, yet it's missing in what has been called his activist agenda for this fall" says Labour Council President John Cartwright.

In September, the Labour Council called on the provincial government to reinstate the traditional certification system as well as protection for workers who are illegally fired during organizing drives. Under the Harris changes, certification was replaced by a mandatory vote and employers are now allowed to campaign against organizing drives. Effective protection for workers during such drives has also been removed.

"Unless the laws are changed, we're going to continue having situations like last week's illegal firing of construction workers," says Cartwright. "These incidents undermine the ability of our labour forces to fully participate in building a stronger city and province."

On September 28th, seven carpenters employed by U.S. Bowling to build the 'Lucky Strike Lanes' at the site of the new Vaughan Mills Mall were fired in the midst of an organizing drive. Knowing the delays they would face at the Labour Board, building trades union members picketed the site to successfully get the workers reinstated.