



In December, the Edmonton Journal In Alberta, two large public sector unions have challenged a piece of legislation that limits unionized public sector employees. The Public Sector Services Continuation Act, known as Bill 45. This legislation, which has passed but has not yet been proclaimed, would impose six-figure fines on unions that engage—or even talk about engaging in—illegal strikes.In December, the Edmonton Journal reported that Bill 45 (along with the equally controversial labour legislation, Bill 46) was able to move quickly through the Legislature due to limits placed on debate during the legislative process.



On January 8, 2014, the United Nurses of Alberta filed a statement of claim that their guaranteed freedoms to strike are being violated by Bill 45. This public sector union, which represents nearly 30,000 nurses and healthcare workers, asks the Court of Queen's Bench to throw out portions of the legislation On January 8, 2014, the United Nurses of Alberta filed a statement of claim that their guaranteed freedoms to strike are being violated by Bill 45. This public sector union, which represents nearly 30,000 nurses and healthcare workers, asks the Court of Queen's Bench to throw out portions of the legislation that impedes on the Charter of Rights, specifically guarantees of "freedom of expression, freedom of association, the right to liberty and security of the person."



The Alberta Union of Provincial Employees is The Alberta Union of Provincial Employees is also challenging Bill 45, calling the bill "draconian."



Sign the petition to urge the Court of Queen's Bench of Alberta to respect the rights of public sector workers and their freedom of speech!