“Who decides? We’ll decide! Whose work? Our work!” was the cry heard across the downtown core yesterday.

Hundreds of Canada Post workers united with other labour unions to voice their frustration with recent back-to-work legislation put forward by the federal government.

“When the call for support is put out, others answer. An injury to one is an injury to all,” said Guy Smith, president of the Alberta Union of Provincial Employees. “Free collective bargaining is a basic democratic right.”

The United Nurses Association and the AUPE were among the groups backing the postal workers union. Approximately 1,200 people showed up to march down Jasper Avenue, literally stopping daytime traffic.

“We are outraged by the federal government’s actions,” said Alberta Federation of Labour president Gil McGowan.

Workers are upset they are not being allowed to negotiate any further, and union representatives described legislation proposed by Stephen Harper as heavy-handed.

Others were just excited to be a part of something of this magnitude.

“It’s amazing to see all these people rallying together for this one purpose,” said postal worker Zach Marke.

MetroNews, Wed Jun 22 2011