Union Finance Transparency

Original Air Date: Monday, February 20, 2012

New legislation before the House of Commons could force all unions to make their financial affairs public, including revenues, earnings and salaries.

Proponents of Bill C-377 say the public has a right to know and that open disclosure will ensure the effectiveness and overall health of unions and the members they represent.  But union officials in Alberta call the Private Members Bill an attack on democracy and an attempt by the federal government to weaken and even silence the labour movement.

Should unions be open and transparent with their finances?  Should non-unionized workers have a say in how union dues are spent - and what could the proposed changes mean for organized labour in our province?

Joining us for this discussion is Gil Mcgowan, President of the Alberta Federation of Labour; and Satinder Chera, Ontario Vice-President for the Canadian Federation of Independent Business.