Sun: Wage control could trigger court challenge: professor
Manitoba Premier Brian Pallister has been walking a fine line in the last week — saying he intends to bring in legislation next spring to control public-sector wage growth, but also refusing to release any details until he consults labour leaders.
One labour expert says there is a reason for the coy messaging. It probably has to do with ensuring any crackdown on wages — perhaps a wage freeze — can survive a court challenge.
“Probably what lawyers have told him … is that if they were just to simply impose legislation, there’s a very good chance that the court would strike it down,” said David Camfield, associate professor of labour studies and sociology at the University of Manitoba.
“But if they go through some kind of consultation, don’t get the results they like and then pass legislation, they’ll be more likely to be able to survive the court challenge.”