Randy Thanthong-Knight
Wed, October 19, 2022
(Bloomberg) -- Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s government took a key step in fulfilling its promise to ban the use of replacement workers during strikes or lockouts in Canada.
Labor Minister Seamus O’Regan announced the start of consultations Wednesday on anti-scab legislation for unionized workers in federally regulated sectors, including international and cross-provincial transportation services, telecommunications and banks. The consultations will take place with both employers and unions.
The proposed law is part of Trudeau’s platform commitment as well as the prime minister’s confidence-and-supply agreement with the labor-friendly New Democratic Party. Struck in March, the power-sharing deal will likely stave off another election until 2025.
The use of replacement workers “pits workers against each other, it’s undignified and it’s dangerous,” O’Regan said at a news conference in Ottawa. “The best deals are made at the negotiating table.”
The legislation -- which applies to about 1 million Canadian workers -- will be contentious, coming at a time when businesses are already facing increased strike activity with unions ramping up wage demands.
To assuage business, the government will also hold separate but parallel consultations to ensure the new legislation doesn’t undermine companies’ ability to maintain core services during a work stoppage.
The legislation is the “latest evolution” of labor rights in Canada and the consultations will find “the best way to respect workers’ interest and employers’ interest,” O’Regan said.
Consultations begin on plan to ban replacement workers in federally regulated workplaces
Canada Post workers on strike outside the Federal Building. November 6, 2018
. (Photo by Colin Gowdy, BlackburnNews)
October 20, 2022
The Canadian government plans to introduce legislation by the end of 2023 to prohibit the use of replacement workers in federally regulated workplaces during a strike or lockout.
Labour Minister Seamus O’Regan Jr. says this will make sure that all workers in federally regulated sectors continue to benefit from a meaningful right to strike.
“I’m opening tripartite negotiations with employers and unions on a replacement worker ban, on the best way to respect workers interests and employers interests,” said O’Regan. “This government will always protect free and fair collective bargaining, because collective bargaining is about good jobs. It’s about safe work. It’s about earning more when it’s time to earn more, and getting rest when it’s time to rest.”
“It’s about what workers deserve in return for their labour, and how employers can profit from a health and happy workforce. It’s about certainty, It’s about stability and predictability for business,” he added.
Consultations are now underway to hear from Canadians and stakeholders on this commitment. Employers, employer representatives, unions, workers, national Indigenous organizations and other key stakeholders and interested parties are invited to share their feedback on prohibiting the use of replacement workers and improving the maintenance of activities process by December 16, 2022. Following the consultation period, the feedback received will inform the development of legislation.
Part I of the Canada Labour Code governs workplace relations and collective bargaining between unions and employers. This part contains provisions related to replacement workers and maintenance of activities, as well as dispute resolution, strikes and lockouts. It outlines the labour relations rights and responsibilities of employers, trade unions and employees.
Part I of the Code applies to 985,000 employees and 22,100 employers in interprovincial and international transportation, banking, postal and courier services, telecommunications, grain shipping, Indigenous government on First Nations territories, and Crown corporations, among others.
The Canadian government plans to introduce legislation by the end of 2023 to prohibit the use of replacement workers in federally regulated workplaces during a strike or lockout.
Labour Minister Seamus O’Regan Jr. says this will make sure that all workers in federally regulated sectors continue to benefit from a meaningful right to strike.
“I’m opening tripartite negotiations with employers and unions on a replacement worker ban, on the best way to respect workers interests and employers interests,” said O’Regan. “This government will always protect free and fair collective bargaining, because collective bargaining is about good jobs. It’s about safe work. It’s about earning more when it’s time to earn more, and getting rest when it’s time to rest.”
“It’s about what workers deserve in return for their labour, and how employers can profit from a health and happy workforce. It’s about certainty, It’s about stability and predictability for business,” he added.
Consultations are now underway to hear from Canadians and stakeholders on this commitment. Employers, employer representatives, unions, workers, national Indigenous organizations and other key stakeholders and interested parties are invited to share their feedback on prohibiting the use of replacement workers and improving the maintenance of activities process by December 16, 2022. Following the consultation period, the feedback received will inform the development of legislation.
Part I of the Canada Labour Code governs workplace relations and collective bargaining between unions and employers. This part contains provisions related to replacement workers and maintenance of activities, as well as dispute resolution, strikes and lockouts. It outlines the labour relations rights and responsibilities of employers, trade unions and employees.
Part I of the Code applies to 985,000 employees and 22,100 employers in interprovincial and international transportation, banking, postal and courier services, telecommunications, grain shipping, Indigenous government on First Nations territories, and Crown corporations, among others.
No comments:
Post a Comment