The power of a union to enforce solidarity in its ranks is set to come under the judicial microscope in a key test of whether the courts can be used to collect fines against members who cross legal picket lines.

Remember the strange TV ads during last month's provincial election with the black and white images of Premier Stelmach and the not-so-scary voice whispering "No pla-a-a-a-n"?

The Provincial Court of Alberta rejected the Telecommunications Workers Union (the TWU) action to collect union-imposed fines from three TELUS employees who chose to cross picket lines during a 2005 strike. The Court found the TWU “court action” was an attempt “to give the authority of law” to union discipline.

The Canadian LabourWatch Association condemns Alberta legislation that allows unions to force unionized Albertans to pay union dues that can be used for political purposes.