Civil rights lawyer Clayton Ruby represents union in $4-million Porter Airlines libel suit

TORONTO, May 22, 2013 /CNW/ - Prominent civil rights lawyer Clayton Ruby will represent the labour union targeted in a $4 million libel suit by Porter Airlines Ltd.

Local 343 of the Canadian Office and Professional Employees Union (COPE) represents 22 refuellers who have been on strike since January 10 in a dispute over wages and health and safety issues.

Porter initiated legal action last month claiming certain messages on Twitter and other social media by COPE staff and supporters were libellous. Porter took exception to criticism of its health and safety record, and to characterization of its salary as "poverty wages." The striking refuellers earn an average $13 an hour.

"The intended purpose of this litigation is to intimidate the defendants so that they abandon their legitimate criticism of the plaintiffs," Ruby argues in COPE's response to the lawsuit filed in the Superior Court of Justice.

Ruby will participate in a media conference scheduled for 2 pm today (Wednesday, May 22) at his law office (11 Prince Arthur Avenue).

Background on the Porter strike available at www.dontflyporter.com

SOURCE: COPE Ontario

contact COPE legal counsel Glenn Wheeler at 647 962 8515.