Collective Madness

Union thugs want to ensure potential employer, Wal-Mart, will never open another store within the borders of Quebec, again...

The Supreme Court of Canada has upheld the right of Wal-Mart, the world’s biggest retailer, to shut down stores after workers unionized at one of its outlets in Jonquière, Que.

In a 6-3 decision, Justice Ian Binnie, citing previous case law, noted there is no legislation in Quebec that obliges any employer to remain in business, even if it closes for “socially reprehensible” reasons.

The store closure, which followed one of the first unionizations of Wal-Mart employees in North America, drew continent-wide attention and the high-stakes appeal has been closely watched by labour and business.

Laid-off workers at the store in Jonquière argued Wal-Mart violated Quebec labour laws and the workers’ constitutional rights by shutting its store during negotiations for an inaugural collective agreement in 2005.

A majority of the Supreme Court judges rejected their appeal. They ruled that under the specific section of the Quebec Labour Code that formed the basis of the workers complaints, the workers cannot seek remedy if their former place of employment no longer exists.

Had the workers brought forward their case under a separate section of the Labour Code, namely sections 12 to 14, then the question of whether Wal-Mart closed the store as part of an anti-union strategy might have been put in play.

[..]

“This is not a substantive victory for employers in any way whatsoever,” said Dominique Monet, leader of the labour, employment and human rights practice at law firm Fasken Martineau in Montreal. “[The judges] have certainly shown them the right exit to take on the highway next time.”

If Wal-Mart is smart, they'll make sure there is no next time.

Comments

[Bob Devine]

It has been 75 or more years since a union has been needed in Canada. I admit at one time they where needed but they have become life sucking leeches to every business they are associated with. I do not know how we will ever be rid of them with the socialistic tendencies of a large portion of our population.

[proof]

Wal-Mart is a mixed bag. They generally pay high than usual wages, yet less than union wages.
I know it makes the liberals' heads 'splode whenever they think of Wal-Mart, so every time I hear that their profits are down, I make a special trip to shop there.