Dear Editor:
Matthew Enns, a former intern for the Canadian Federation of Independent Business, recently wrote to this paper condemning the call to make it safer for workers to join a union (re: Secret ballots should stay, Letters to the Editor, The Record, Sept. 14).
I wonder, was he speaking for workers or for the employers who wish to maintain their ability to threaten and intimidate employees who want to join a union.
Many workers, especially young and immigrant workers, are scared to join a union because they fear they will be fired or demoted for trying. Card check allows workers to make their decision free from interference and threats from their employer, and prevents leaders of organizing drives from being fired unfairly.
The system of card check Mr. Enns criticizes was recently adopted by the Conservative government of Newfoundland. It has long been recognized as a fair, balanced and democratic way for workers to unionize.
Full disclosure: I am responsible for helping to organize young workers who want to join a union. I want them to have rights and fair working conditions in their workplaces. Can you say the same thing for Mr. Enns?
Jason Mann, by email
