Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague from the riding of Gaspésie—Îles-de-la-Madeleine.
Yes, negotiated terms always provide a better work atmosphere than a situation that is imposed. I was a union representative in recent years and I was acquainted with people who had had terms of employment imposed on them by special legislation, and the atmosphere that produced was simply unliveable. It created enormous tensions within the company and significantly hurt productivity. It is therefore important, and in fact essential, that there be a negotiated employment contract, not one imposed like this, particularly not by this method.
The employer was prepared to offer better terms and the government is imposing worse terms. That is outrageous.