It is sometimes a reporter's job to just rehash what is fed to them by their subjects. When reporting about unions, a reporter will no doubt hear that unions think it a fundamental human right for workers to join a union:
"When Wal-Mart denies Canadian workers their right to join a union and bargain collectively, it is thumbing its nose at the Charter of Rights and Freedoms and the basic rights of all workers and families in Canada," said Michael Fraser, UFCW national director. "It's an outrage that Canadian governments are tolerating this routine denial of basic rights by Wal-Mart."Aren't reporters supposed to give a little thought about this fundamental right of association? The implentation of this right by the UFCW at Wal-Mart will mean a minority of Wal-Mart workers will have union dues and a worker contract involuntarily imposed on them, and not just by a majority of their co-workers, but by the legal representation of a national federation they do not wish to participate in. Just how is it a fundamental right to coerce a minority, allegedly for their own good?The unions will announce tomorrow a national labour movement campaign, as well as specific initiatives involving Wal-Mart.
Can't one also insist that when Wal-Mart refuses to run a union shop, it is utilizing its right to employ its capital where and with whom it sees fit? It is utilizing its right to "withhold services"...
Posted by Kevin on March, 23 2005 at 11:42 AM
