Labour_Day_PicnicThe work starts Tuesday. So says the President of the North Bay and District Labour Council, Henri Giroux.

He made the comments at Monday’s Labour Day barbecue at the North Bay waterfront.

He says the picnic was a lot of fun and it’s something they enjoy putting on for the public at no cost to them every year.

But he says with the federal election next month a lot is on the line.

Giroux was asked about the major issue for the council. He says the government wants unions to be more accountable to the public.

Giroux feels they only need to be accountable to their members.

He says the government wants unions to itemize how their money is spent and no one else is asked to do that.

Giroux says other key issues are the Canada Health Accord and the future of home mail box delivery.

He says the Labour Council will be highlighting specific issues throughout the campaign.

He says he will talk to council members about whether the organization will be endorsing a candidate.

Giroux says the country is looking different than 4 years ago and Canada won’t be Canada any more if the Conservatives are re-elected and that’s why their theme this year is it is time for a change.

Giroux says unions aren’t bad because union members spend money and help the local economy.