Like previous Tory labour law changes, these are designed to make it harder for non-union workers to unionize. Under the previous legislation, the prominent posting of such material and its distribution to individual employees, would have constituted an unfair labour practice. Now, it is not only legal but required. This means first contract applications will precede only if the decertification application fails. For more information on Bill 139, check the Ontario Legislative Assembly web site .
Employers can now average out overtime pay over a four-week period.
Now, they only have to pay overtime for hours worked in excess of 176 over four weeks. Employers will be able to reduce the periods of time off that workers must have between shifts and on days off. While, technically speaking, the law says that employees must agree to these concessions, workers in most non-union workplaces can be easily pressured to agree, under threat of job loss, demotion, or other adverse affects. For more information on Bill 147, check the Ontario Legislative Assembly web site .