Devastated by a far-reaching anti-worker bill (Bill 115 passed a few days ago), rank-and-file education workers convened a funeral for collective bargaining rights on the lawn of Queen’s Park, Monday September 10, 2012. Workers and friends joined to reflect on our loss and pledge ourselves for the future.

Dearly beloved, we rank-and-file members and education workers have gathered here today indeed during a very solemn dark day to commemorate another victim in the death of the march to austerity. As the McGuinty Government continues his attack on the rights of working people, as he attempts to pass such foul and distasteful legislation named the “Putting Students First Act.”

A piece of legislation that shows a murderous contempt for bargaining processes enshrined in law and in democratic principles. Legislation that will in fact further erode the quality of our public education, not improve it. Effectively jeopardizing the rights of future workers. Our students whom they dare to use in the naming of this loathsome legislation. Let us be reminded that despite the Drummond Commission stating that spending in Ontario is not out of control or excessive, the McGuinty Government feels the need to create a crisis where there was none.

And in the death march to austerity we must be also mindful that those hardest hit are the working poor, youth, part-time and non-unionized workers, racialized and immigrant communities.

Let also be reminded of how broad the death march is by giving our solidarity and support to the Chicago Teachers Union who began their strike action today.