Seven women can make a difference.

The Lively Seven proved that over the past two years, as they took a courageous stand against the unjust practices of unions and Canada’s federal labour board (CIRB).

What happened? These seven female bank employees from Lively, Ontario, stood tall when the United Steelworkers Union (USWA) came to town in search of more members and more money. When they resisted the union drive, they faced harassment and intimidation by union reps and the forced unionization of their workplace by the USWA and Canada’s federal labour board (CIRB) without a secret ballot vote and without a hearing into their complaints.

With the financial help of the NCC and its generous supporters, The Lively Seven chose to fight back through Canada’s legal system. Sadly, their hopes for justice were denied.

How did it end? The Federal Court of Appeal ruled The Lively Seven’s forced unionization by the USWA was fair and legitimate, as was their process with the CIRB. Further, the Court ruled that instances of intimidation, coercion and misrepresentation were merely “overly enthusiastic” activities. So how much abuse will employees have to experience before union intimidation is deemed unacceptable? And most important, when will union bullying no longer be an approved part of Canadian labour law? That is a battle for another day now.

What was accomplished? Along the way, The Lively Seven gained national media attention that brought plenty of press to the ugly realities of dealing with unions that don’t respect, let alone advocate, the rights of employees they represent or want to represent. They also exposed the many fault-lines that undergird Canada’s labour bureaucracy; the CIRB is riddled with inefficiencies, a systemic disrespect for employees and for the CIRB’s own rulebook.

Systemic change can take years: 47 European countries now have many important employee protections, but it took over 25 years of individuals and groups of employees standing up to the unions and their oppressive tactics. Other countries in the world have passed legal reform or had important court rulings to better protect employee free choice in the workplace.

These were no small feats, and they have already paid big dividends in bringing to light Canada’s dearth of support for employee rights. They will set a precedent for other courageous employees to challenge unions and claim their full rights as employees and human beings. The Lively Seven wish to extend their gratitude and appreciation to the NCC for its dedication and generosity in supporting this important case and advocating for the rights of all Canadians. They thank the many donours who helped them pay their legal bills so they could stand up for Canadian workers.

THE BILLS FROM THEIR FINAL FALL COURT CASE ARE NOT YET FULLY PAID. DIG DEEP. TAKE A STAND FOR THE RIGHTS OF ALL CANADIAN EMPLOYEES BY ASSISTING THE LIVELY SEVEN WITH THEIR COURT COSTS. Click here to donate to their unprecedented battle for employee rights.

The National Citizens Coalition is committed to helping The Lively Seven. Unlike the CIRB, the NCC believes employees have a right to be heard – not just unions and employers.

Read The Lively Seven's Story