HALIFAX – Union protesters blocked traffic outside the Nova Scotia legislature Tuesday morning as the government pushes through legislation that changes the bargaining structure in the health-care system.
At one point a car carrying Premier Stephen McNeil was caught up in the protest.
Several protesters sat in front of the black SUV chanting “Shame” as police cleared the way.
A man who was part of the demonstration was handcuffed by police and put in the back of a police van.
The bill introduced by the province’s Liberal government would merge bargaining units.
The government wants to cut the number of units to four from 50 by April 1.
Public sector unions say the bill violates labour rights, but McNeil has argued the proposed legislation will protect patients and workers while ensuring health care is sustainable.
During question period Tuesday, Progressive Conservative Leader Jamie Baillie asked why the government finds it necessary to combine the labour provisions of the bill with those that would cut the number of health authorities to two from 10.
Baillie says the Tories would like to see two bills to avoid disruption in the health-care system.
The government has scheduled the legislature to sit until midnight in order to push the bill through second reading.
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