The Doer government is at odds with one of its major supporters: organized labour. The Manitoba Federation of Labour wants anti-scab legislation introduced in this province.

Anti-scab legislation. A law to prevent companies from hiring replacement workers during a strike or lockout. Quebec has it. So does British Columbia. The Manitoba Federation of Labour says this province should have it too.

Unions argue it can resolve disputes faster, and labour groups expect the premier to deliver it. "I think he has made that promise to a number of different labour groups over the years and there is that expectation out there," says Rob Hilliard of the Manitoba Federation of Labour. "I believe it is good legislation and fair legislation and I will press the government to do that."

But the province is making it clear labour shouldn't hold out any hope. "Before the election I was asked by the business community 'Are you going to bring in anti-scab' and I said no," says Premier Gary Doer.

Still, the Minister of Labour acknowledges the pressure. "Well, there's some pressure because this has always been a request of and a policy of, the Manitoba Federation of Labour," says Becky Barrett.

Business groups still reeling from the NDP's labour law amendments last month in Bill 44 say they would fight any further changes.

"Despite commitments made during the election campaign, we've been very nervous that the government is going to have to march to the tune of organized labour," says Dan Kelly of the Federation of Independent Business.

The Federation of Labour has once again put anti-scab legislation on the agenda at its annual convention in Brandon later this week.