CLC warns Labour Code report leaves door open to restrictions on the right to strike

OTTAWA—CLC President Bea Bruske issued the following statement:

“The government’s What We Heard report reflects what workers and unions have been saying throughout the Labour Code review, but it also leaves the door open to proposals that would give government more power to intervene in strikes and restrict workers’ bargaining power. Canada needs stronger labour laws that protect the right to strike, support free collective bargaining, and hold employers accountable when they break the rules.

That is especially important now. Canada is confronting a trade war that is forcing us to make fundamental choices about the kind of economy we want to protect and build.

Strong worker protections, decent wages, and collective bargaining make our economy stronger and more resilient. They are part of what we are fighting to protect. We cannot respond to Donald Trump’s trade war with a race to the bottom here at home.

Workers have been clear about what needs to change: repeal section 107, protect paid sick leave, crack down on wage theft and misclassification, and strengthen protections against bad-faith bargaining.

The government has heard from workers. Now we need to see those priorities reflected in the legislation that follows”.

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