The Canadian Civil Liberties Association (CCLA) is warning Dalton McGuinty’s liberal government to not pass Bill 115, which would see wage freezes and ban teachers from striking.

The CCLA plans to be part of any potential court challenge against the bill if it becomes law and will ask the court to grant it intervener status allowing it to present its case against the bill in court.

Speaking at the Sheraton Hotel, Sukanya Pillay of the CCLA warned that the bill oversteps its boundaries, taking away workers’ right to strike even before a strike threat has been made.

“We understand that budget concerns need to be addressed by government, but budget concerns are no justification to undercut the democratic process,” Pillay said.

Meanwhile, constitutional lawyer Steven Barrett is working with the holdout teachers’ unions to prepare a legal challenge, should it be necessary.

“A collective agreement exacted by government threats and bullying, outside of the lawful rights, protections and procedures of the Labour Relations Act, is no more voluntary than a forced confession,” Barrett said.

The bill was tabled earlier this week, with the education minister and premier repeatedly stating they believe it would pass any court challenge.

“Instead of letting the constitutionally protected collective-bargaining process get off the ground, instead of giving it a chance to work, Bill 115 stops it cold,” Barrett added.

Three of the smaller unions have accepted a framework agreement with the province, and the government is now trying to impose it on the others including the public high school and elementary teachers.