Constitutional challenge of Saskatchewan labour laws heads to court

REGINA – An argument over labour laws introduced by the Saskatchewan Party after the 2007 election will head to court this fall – a week after the next provincial vote Nov. 7. 

The Saskatchewan Federation of Labour says its constitutional challenge of essential services legislation and the Trade Union Amendment Act is to be heard in Court of Queen’s Bench starting Nov. 14. 

The federation and 25 other plaintiffs argue the laws have infringed the rights of unions and workers. 

They say the Trade Union Act makes it tougher for unions seeking certification and collective bargaining. 

The essential services legislation lets employers designate which public-service workers are essential if a contract agreement can’t be reached. 

The government said when the bills were passed that it was providing balance in Saskatchewan’s labour environment.