The Carney government is quietly moving to change Canadian labour law in ways that could strip workers of their right to strike – and that is not an exaggeration.
A discussion paper distributed April 17 and reported by the Toronto Star proposes expanding “essential service” designations, allowing earlier government intervention in bargaining, and strengthening Section 107 of the Canada Labour Code, the provision used to order workers back on the job and impose binding arbitration.
What does this mean for you?
- More workplaces could be designated “essential,” effectively banning strikes
- The government could intervene earlier to shut down labour action
- Employers have less reason to bargain in good faith
- Wages, benefits, pensions, and workplace safety become harder to fight for
Unifor president Lana Payne put it plainly: “Their freedom to bargain collectively is on the line, and with it every single protection in their collective agreement, from wages to fairness and safety on the job.”
And they want to do all of this in 35 days. COPE Ontario says that is not enough time to reshape the most significant piece of labour legislation in the federal jurisdiction.
