Taking the lead

Layton becomes the first federal leader to sign on to the Workers' Bill of Rights, which states the following:

•1•
All workers have the right to form unions for the promotion and defence of their interests without interference by employer or government. This basic human right goes together with freedom of association and freedom of expression. It is the basis of democratic representation and governance.

•2•
All workers have the right to a legal framework that recognizes collective bargaining as the means of determining their wages, working conditions and terms of employment.

Layton's signing on to the Bill first reflects the principle that the NDP alone among the major federal parties is willing to lead the way on workers' rights. While the other leaders may sign on eventually (particularly given how general the Bill is), the best workers can hope for from the other federal parties is for them to follow in the Dippers' footsteps.