LABOUR ee The Canadian Union of Postal Workers is allenging the constitutionality of Bill C-86. The tion says the law, enacted on Oct. 16 ending three ; eeks of rotating postal strikes, violates several *ctions of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. 4 leader said. TRIBUNE PHOTO — PAUL OGRESKO ON t UPW Members faced scabs and Mployer intimidation when they walked off their bs in September. Their union is challenging the : draconian” law which ordered them back to work. police and - Postal workers take strike bill to court Union president Jean Claude Parrot, charges the government with violating the rights of the union, its officers and members through the legislation. The law is ‘‘an abuse of power’’, Parrot said. It subjects union members to multiple and outrage- ous punishments; denies freedom of association; interferes in the internal affairs of the union and denies freedom of expression because it forced union officers to order their members to comply with the back-to-work order. “Freedom of expression comprises the right to be silent without incurring penalties’, the union The clause which bans union members from running for office, or working for the union is ‘extraordinary and frightening in its implications for democracy,’’ Parrot charged. ‘‘Is it not reveal- ing that the military dictatorship in Chile imposed a similar law aimed at their political opponents?” CUPW represents Canada Post’s 23,000 inside workers. Its negotiations and strike was aimed at preventing the government from cutting back on postal service and selling off profitable operations to the private sector. The union is engaged in a public campaign to mobilize support against the Tories privatization plans including demonstrations, boycotts of busi- nesses that have franchised post offices, advertis- ing and public education. ‘The court challenge is an important first step in the escalation of our campaign’’, Parrot said. TORONTO — Ontario labour +*S allocated an extra $400,000 to ‘ { the proposed trade deal Ween Canada and the U.S. €multi-faceted campaign, the Stexpensive ever undertaken by nel Ontario labour movement, Udes a half-hour TV program, Adio blitz, a free-trade telephone ho we direct mailings, advertis- 1 Public meetings, lobbies and + Monstrations, Rie Issue ever to confront us, 400 Ord Wilson, president of the | Member Ontario Federa- 2 of Labour. Boned federation leader said he i. ee campaign would compel ect; eral government to call an | !0n on the issue. stun ulroney gave everything in Bare for nothing,” he said. “An bur ae is the only way to preserve .,, —Nocratic traditions. Canada Worth a vote.” ‘hit eon said he had the com- Teen! Of the affiliates to make he “™Paign a success. “We have Necessary commitment of cial and human resources. Dokin labour movement is also ote as at Ontario premier David rofl ©n to take a more high- |