Publications

Bill C-39 would give Canadian government broadest strike intervention powers in G7 

OTTAWA — If passed, Bill C-39 would give the Canadian government broader unilateral power to end a legal strike than exists in any other G7 country, according to a comparative legal analysis commissioned by the Canadian Labour Congress (CLC).  That includes Donald Trump’s United States, where even the President cannot unilaterally end a national-emergency strike and impose a binding settlement. U.S.…

Employers cheer Bill C-39 restrictions on the right to strike

OTTAWA — Employer groups are welcoming Bill C-39’s new powers to end legal strikes. Canada’s unions say their reaction exposes the contradiction in the government’s claims about “strengthening” workers’ rights. “When large corporations are cheering new government powers to shut down legal strikes, workers should be alarmed,” said Bea Bruske, President of the Canadian Labour Congress. “Bill C-39 gives one…

Take a stand and Rise Up! for Gender Justice with Canada’s Unions

Statement from Siobhán Vipond, Executive Vice President, to mark Gender Equality Week 2026: Across Canada, workers are taking decisive action to fight for gender justice in every sphere of our lives. At a time of worsening economic uncertainty, never ending trade wars and an alarming trend of anti-worker and anti-human rights legislative actions, women and gender diverse workers are too…

Canada’s unions united against new restrictions on the right to strike

OTTAWA — Canada’s unions are united in calling on the federal government to remove new restrictions on the right to strike from its proposed changes to the Canada Labour Code. “Last night, I met with the heads of Canada’s unions, representing workers across the country and every part of our economy. We are united: any new restriction on the right…

Canadian Labour Congress to hold press conference on Canada Labour Code changes

OTTAWA — Canadian Labour Congress President Bea Bruske will hold a press conference Tuesday to respond to changes to the Canada Labour Code and what that means for workers’ rights, collective bargaining and the right to strike. Bruske will be joined by Mark Rowlinson of Goldblatt Partners LLP to provide an analysis of the changes and their impact on workers.…

Government legislation undermines the right to strike

Labour welcomes progress on some issues, seeks amendment to the bill OTTAWA – Bea Bruske, the President of the Canadian Labour Congress, has issued the following statement: “We’ve had a first look at the changes to the Canada Labour Code. There are things in this bill that unions have fought for and that will improve protections for workers, including progress…

Canada’s unions look to government to keep its commitment on the right to strike

Statement from Bea Bruske, President of the Canadian Labour Congress: Today, the federal government is expected to introduce significant changes to the Canada Labour Code. Canada’s unions will be watching closely. The government has repeatedly said it will protect the right to strike. We welcome that commitment. Today, we expect to see what it means in practice. Canada is confronting…

Airport privatization will cost Canadians, warns CLC

Statement from Lily Chang, Secretary-Treasurer of the Canadian Labour Congress: “Private investors don’t put billions into airports unless they expect to make billions back. The government is pointing to Australia as its model, and we’ve already seen the results there: higher costs for passengers and airlines, pressure on workers, and more airport revenue flowing to private investors. Canada’s airports are…

Airport privatization would cost workers and passengers, CLC report warns

OTTAWA — Privatizing Canada’s airports would put upward pressure on the cost of flying and put airport workers at risk, according to a new report from the Canadian Labour Congress, released ahead of next week’s Canada Investment Summit. Public Runways, Private Profits: Why Airport Privatization Would Be Risky and Costly for Canadians examines airport privatization in Australia, New Zealand, Portugal,…

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…