N.B. MP Votes Against Back-To-Work Legislation

A New Brunswick MP says he had no choice but to vote against his government’s legislation ordering postal workers back to work.

Saint John-Rothesay MP Wayne Long and five other Liberal members voted against the bill on Friday night.

Long told our newsroom he felt it was important to stand up for unions and labour in his riding.

“I just fundamentally do not believe in back-to-work legislation,” Long said. “I think it undermines the negotiation process between labour and management.”

1/6 I represent a riding with a strong, historic labour movement, and the workers in my riding elected me to stand up for their rights in Ottawa.
As recent as last week Pat Riley form #ILA and I unveiled a national historic plaque signifying labours’ significant place in SJ and

— Wayne Long (@WayneLongSJ) November 24, 2018

Long said he is also worried the legislation could be found to be unconstitutional by the courts.

He said the Liberal party was aware of his voting intentions ahead of time and was okay with the way he voted.

“Our government’s made great strides over the last three years to repair the damage that’s been done by the previous Harper government with respect to labour,” Long said, adding he felt the legislation could undermine the progress.

4/6 The relationship was so badly damaged by the bad faith and contempt shown by the previous Conservative government. I am tremendously proud of the progress we have made.
It is good that postal service will resume shortly. It’s good for small businesses.

— Wayne Long (@WayneLongSJ) November 24, 2018