![\"\"](\"http:\/\/www.une-sen.org\/press\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/10\/billc-4.png\" "\\"billc-4\\"")
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The PSAC held a press conference today at its headquarters to share its views on Bill C-4; the most recent omnibus budget bill that\u2019s jam-packed with troubling changes. Union leaders are alarmed by the government\u2019s continued assault<\/a> on collective bargaining rights, health and safety in the workplace and options for victims of discrimination.<\/p>\n \u201cThese amendments, if passed, will roll back the state of labour relations thirty years by giving the employer extraordinary unchecked powers in all workplace matters,\u201d said PSAC National President Robyn Benson.<\/p>\n \u201cThis legislation is unreasonable, and unfair.\u201d<\/p>\n The government wants the exclusive right to determine which members are deemed essential. It also wants to require a consensus from both parties before moving to arbitration.<\/p>\n On the health and safety front, the union warned that the government\u2019s decision to gut to the Canada Labour Code will be disastrous for both represented members and non-represented workers.<\/p>\n \u201cBill C-4 is life-threatening,\u201d cautioned PSAC National Executive Vice-President Chris Aylward.<\/p>\n \u201cThe bill changes the definition of \u2018danger\u2019 to only include \u2018imminent\u2019 risks,\u201d he explained. \u201cThis means that workers will have to be in harm\u2019s way before they can establish that their working conditions are dangerous.\u201d<\/p>\n The bill strips all authority and powers from health and safety officers and bestows them upon the minister. Aylward believes these changes will make it far easier for employers to ignore health and safety issues.<\/p>\n He also warned that these changes will politicize the process of monitoring and enforcing health and safety protections.<\/p>\n