The Carney government has introduced changes to the Canada Labour Code, and they put workers’ right to strike at risk.

The bill includes some wins unions have fought for, like stronger protections against wage theft and more funding for health and safety inspectors. But it also gives the federal government new, expanded power to shut down a legal strike whenever it decides that strike is, or could be, against the “national interest.”
A strike works because it puts pressure on an employer to reach a fair deal. If employers know the government can step in and end a strike, they have less reason to compromise. That weakens bargaining for every worker, even before the government ever uses this power.

As the Canadian Labour Congress said, on the right to strike, the government broke its promise to workers. The CLC is calling for the bill to be amended, and we stand alongside other unions in saying that we will not accept these changes quietly.

The national interest is good jobs that are safe, secure and well paid. Collective bargaining is how workers win them, and the right to strike is what makes bargaining work.

Tell your MP to protect workers’ right to strike and stand together.