OTTAWA – As Parliament adjourns for the summer, Canada’s unions are celebrating major and historic victories for the labour movement. However, the struggle is far from over.

We are finally charting a course towards a sustainable future with workers at the forefront. Last October, Poilievre’s Conservatives stalled Bill C-50 in committee for over a month, engaging in nothing but shenanigans and squandering time and public funds.

Today, workers can celebrate the Royal Assent of the Sustainable Jobs Act, a landmark legislation that grants workers a decisive voice in shaping their future.

The CLC would like to thank the government and the NDP for moving Bill C-50 through the House of Commons and Senator Hassan Yussuff for sponsoring the Bill in the Senate.

The next imperative is for the government to collaborate with industry and workers to set concrete goals that create and protect good union jobs as we confront climate change and establish the Sustainable Jobs Partnership Council.

“This legislation might never have materialized if workers from coast to coast hadn’t raised their voices,” declared Bea Bruske, President of the Canadian Labour Congress. “By bringing together workers, unions, and businesses, governments now have the potential to drive innovation, decarbonize existing jobs for long-term sustainability, and generate new low-carbon job jobs that enable workers to support their families.”

Another monumental triumph for the labour movement is the passage of Bill C-58, the Anti-Scab legislation, which received unanimous support from MPs and clearance by the Senate. After decades of relentless advocacy, Canada now has federal anti-scab legislation. This is crucial for protecting workers and their right to strike. The use of scab labour not only undermines this right but also exacerbates labour disputes and intensifies hostility on picket lines.

“I’ve heard countless stories from workers who have faced direct confrontations during strikes, jeopardizing their safety and livelihoods. This must never happen. We are pleased to see this long-overdue protection for workers that will significantly restore balance at the bargaining table,” added Bruske.

Earlier this week, CLC President Bea Bruske, alongside Jason Maclean, Chair of the Canadian Health Coalition, and Manuel Arango, Vice President at the Heart and Stroke Foundation, urged Senators to pass Bill C-64, the Pharmacare Act, without amendments or further delays.

“Canadians could be accessing free birth control and diabetes medication this summer if the Senate were to pass Bill C-64 now. People have waited long enough to access free birth control and free diabetes medication and devices. Our message to the Senate is clear: pass this bill now and let’s get these medications to people who need them immediately,” stated Bruske

As the countdown to the next election begins, workers stand united with a clear message to all political parties: if you want our votes, you must respect our rights and deliver real help to workers and families. We demand concrete actions, not empty promises.

Last April, Canada’s labour leaders from across the nation issued a stern warning to politicians from all parties that workers demand more than just supportive rhetoric.

“Workers will hold politicians accountable if they fail to support concrete measures to protect workers’ rights and continue allowing employers to have the upper hand,” warned Bruske. “All parties must commit to concrete actions that dismantle barriers to joining or forming a union and crack down on any company that unfairly obstructs workers from organizing.”

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OTTAWA — Today marks a significant milestone in the history of the labour movement as Canadian Labour Congress President, Bea Bruske, and Canadian Labour Congress Executive Vice President, Siobhán Vipond, stood with NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh and his caucus to celebrate the passage of Bill C-58, the legislation to ban the use of replacement workers.

The labour movement has long fought for anti-scab legislation, recognizing its crucial role in protecting workers and their right to strike. The passing of Bill C-58 is not just a legislative win but a monumental victory for workers across the country.

Walking the picket line is a tough decision, made even harder when faced with the threat of scab labour. This reality intensifies the stress on workers who are already making difficult choices for their families and communities. The use of replacement workers undermines the right to strike, escalates labour disputes, and increases hostility on picket lines. Too many workers have faced direct conflicts during strikes, threatening their safety and livelihoods. This must end.

“This achievement was made possible with the efforts of thousands of union activists across the country who stood up and demanded better from the government”, said Bea Bruske, CLC President. “With a ban on the use of replacement workers, we take a real step toward true protection for workers’ rights, restoring fairness to the collective bargaining process, less labour disruptions, avoiding work stoppages and building a more balanced economy.’’

This win is a result of decades of advocacy by the NDP alongside the labour movement. Political leaders who truly support workers understand that banning scabs is essential for fair bargaining and worker protection.

“I want to extend my gratitude to Jagmeet Singh and Alexandre Boulerice for their steadfast support and Minister O’Regan for his collaboration,” added Bruske.

We must now call for anti-scab legislation in all provinces. Quebec has had such a law for over 45 years, and British Columbia for 30 years, with positive impacts in both provinces. Strong anti-scab legislation is vital for the future of all workers, protecting their rights and restoring fairness at the bargaining table.

There is unanimous support from all MPs for banning replacement workers. The Standing Committee has carefully scrutinized and strengthened the bill.

Canada’s unions are urging Senators to pass Bill C-58 without further delays.

The future of workers and the integrity of our labour system depend on it.

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With the government’s willingness to ban replacement workers and restore card check certification, Premier Kinew is prioritizing the well-being of working families by restoring fairness at the bargaining table.

“Although the Opposition Progressive Conservatives stalled proceedings in the chamber, it’s still a great day for workers in Manitoba. Premier Kinew’s commitment to workers is evident in the enactment of vital legislation to support them. I applaud Premier Kinew’s efforts to restore the streamlining of unionization and workplace democracy and his focus on promoting fairness at the bargaining table,” said Bea Bruske, President of the Canadian Labour Congress.

Workers face difficult decisions when considering whether to walk the picket line. Though it shouldn’t be the case, financial calculations are often a factor in determining whether to exercise one’s rights and stand up for fair treatment. In these uncertain economic times, the pressure on workers is even greater, and these decisions can have profound impacts on families and communities.

The safety and well-being of workers should always be paramount, especially during labour disputes. The use of scab labour not only undermines the collective action of striking workers but also exacerbates conflict and hostility on picket lines. By pitting workers against each other and creating an atmosphere of desperation, employers further jeopardize the safety and livelihoods of all involved.

“Workers everywhere should be able to exercise their right to strike without worrying about the threat of scab labour,” continued Bruske. “I encourage political leaders across Canada to follow Premier Kinew’s lead and introduce legislation to ban the use of scab labour in their jurisdictions.”

In spite of the fact that today’s move by the Manitoba government to return to automatic certification in the province was altered by the opposition, it nonetheless represents a significant step towards empowering workers and strengthening their rights in the workplace.

Since the early 1990s, governments across Canada have prohibited labour boards from automatic certification, leading to the decline in unionization rates, also coinciding with the switch from automatic certification to mandatory voting. Requiring workers to go through a formal vote, even when there is demonstrated majority support through signed membership cards, creates unnecessary hurdles that can be exploited by employers to pressure employees against unionizing.

“Signing a union card is the best way for workers to improve their working lives. Being part of a union and having a collective agreement means stability, predictability, and better conditions for workers. This strengthens our communities and benefits our economy,” stated Bruske.

Bruske highlighted the significance of collective bargaining and the positive impact it has on workers’ well-being, emphasizing the role of unions in fostering stability and improving working conditions. “By eliminating this unnecessary barrier and returning to automatic certification, governments can uphold the integrity of workers’ rights to collective bargaining and ensure a fair and transparent process,” added Bruske.

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On February 27^th, while Parliamentarians from all parties voted unanimously in support of Bill C-58, legislation that would ban replacement workers, 239 Unifor members in Nova Scotia went on strike. By the end of that very same day, the employer, CN Rail, brought in scabs. Although this is a provincially regulated workplace, it merits every politician’s attention.

“I’ve heard some concerning stories from workers who faced direct conflict during a strike, threatening their safety and livelihood. The horrific event that happened in Northern Ontario less than two weeks ago is a terrifying example. This should never happen,” said Bea Bruske, President of the Canadian Labour Congress.

Scabs, sometimes called “replacement” workers, are brought in during a lockout or strike to take regular workers’ jobs. The employers’ use of scab labour—pitting desperate workers against each other— undermines workers’ right to strike, intensifies labour disputes and escalates hostility at the picket lines – threatening the safety of these workers and their communities.

Quebec has had an anti-scab law for over 45 years and British Columbia for 30 years, these laws, and the proposed federal anti-scab bill, not only shorten labour stoppages, they reduce the damaging effects scabs have on inflaming disputes and bring back fairness at the bargaining table.

More and more private and public sector workers are turning to their unions to stand up and demand better. From employers and from governments.

“Workers know that walking the picket line is not easy.  And the threat of scabs being present in some jurisdictions is very real.  That amplifies the stress workers face when making decisions for themselves, their families and their communities.  That’s why, achieving anti-scab legislation at the federal level is critical,” added Bruske.

Workers in Nova Scotia, and in every province and territory, deserve to have their constitutional right to bargain and to strike protected, without the persistent menace of the use of scabs that would prolong work stoppages and incite drawn-out, desperate, and destructive conflicts.

Like non-unionized workers, union members have seen their wages fall in the face of the ongoing affordability crisis.

Workers have seen their purchasing power fall behind, as their wages fall behind inflation while wealthy CEOs are reporting huge profits. Meanwhile, their employees are forced to go to the food bank because they can’t even afford to shop in the store they work in.

“I met with workers who told me that before they are prepared to walk the picket line, they have to make a financial calculation. And in these uncertain and difficult economic times, this is not a decision to take lightly,” added Bruske. “These are kitchen table family discussions about whether you can afford to take the employer’s measly offer or if you are prepared to go out.  And let’s be honest, sometimes the decision is made for workers when they are locked out by their employer.”

In the meantime, politicians like Pierre Poilievre pretend to be a friend to workers. He remained completely silent on where he stood on banning scab labour for months while continuing to deliver meaningless one-liners and come up with petty slogans.

“If Pierre had a true change of heart and really wants to support worker’s rights, perhaps he should send a memo to his provincial counterparts in Nova Scotia and Ontario as soon as possible,” added Bruske.

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Canada’s unions are happy to see significant progress made on banning replacement workers, a crucial missing piece of Canada’s labour laws for decades. This was made possible by thousands of union activists across the country who stood up and demanded better from the government.

This is an important step towards truly protecting workers and their right to strike, this legislation must apply to any work regularly performed by bargaining unit workers and should not deny workers the right to legally strike by creating more essential service barriers.

We have seen years of record corporate profits while workers’ pay lagged far behind. Workers are rightly demanding fairer wages, better safety standards and respect from their employers.

By banning the use of scabs once and for all, we can take a real step towards less labour disruptions, avoiding work stoppages and building a more balanced economy—while increasing the benefits and respect workers deserve.

Now, we need Parliamentarians of all stripes to work together and amend the legislation to ensure it comes into force as soon as it receives Royal Assent. It is pivotal in order to bring immediate protection for workers’ rights and restore fairness to the collective bargaining process. We’ve waited long enough.

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Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre speaks so loudly on so many issues. Which makes his silence deafening on how he’ll vote on a new law, Bill C-58, that would ban the use of replacement workers during strikes and lockouts.

After months of trying to woo workers with sympathetic words about the challenges people face, Mr. Poilievre now faces a big test. Will he stand with Canada’s workers or turn his back on us and our families? Will he put his vote where his mouth is?

NDP, Bloc and Liberals have all pledged to support this new law. In fact, New Democrat and Bloc MPs have worked with us for decades to get an anti-scab bill passed.

Scabs, sometimes called “replacement” workers, are brought in during a lockout or strike to take regular workers’ jobs. This intensifies labour disputes and pours poison into workplaces. What might have been a short-lived dispute solved around the bargaining table becomes a destructive and drawn-out fight.

I think we know why Conservatives are so indecisive. Corporate Canada is spending big bucks lobbying against this bill. No wonder, right now rich corporations have the upper hand and are desperate to keep it that way.

The thing is, the powerful business lobby doesn’t want to tell you how Quebec has had an anti-scab law for over 45 years and B.C. for 30 years. They don’t want you to know how these laws and similar ones around the world shorten labour stoppages, reduce the damaging effects scabs have on inflaming disputes, and bring better balance to labour relations.

Companies fighting this bill want to keep the power to strongarm their workers into accepting bad contracts, just to keep their jobs. It’s part of a race to the bottom intended to pit worker against worker.

The fact is, businesses today just have too much power over workers. This has led to workers’ pay lagging behind, reduced benefits and worsening working conditions. Meanwhile, corporate profits have soared to the stratosphere.

A 2022 analysis by Jim Stanford showed that after-tax corporate profits reached their highest share of GDP ever in the first quarter of that year. While companies’ profits surged ahead, wages lagged well behind inflation. A recent Statistics Canada report showed Canada’s top 20% now controls more than two-thirds of the wealth in Canada. While the bottom 20% account for less than 3% of the wealth.

An anti-scab bill can finally start balancing the playing field. But to do so, it must be strong and effective.

To be effective, it must have strong enforcement mechanisms and be brought into force quickly, not a year and a half after it has passed. To protect workers’ rights, the law must apply to all work regularly performed by bargaining unit workers. To make sure it’s applied fairly, it must not have overly broad essential service barriers that take away workers’ right to strike.

Workers and families are now looking to Members of Parliament to turn sympathetic words into concrete action. Canada’s unions are ready to work with all parties to strengthen and swiftly pass this bill.

But make no mistake, when the next election comes Canada’s workers will also remember anyone who caves to the rich business lobby and tries to delay or weaken this important new law.

Bea Bruske is President of the Canadian Labour Congress. Follow her on Twitter @PresidentCLC

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“Canada’s unions are outraged by the political games on display in Parliament this week as opposition leader Pierre Poilievre and his Conservative Party use procedural tactics to delay, derail, and ultimately block critical pieces of legislation designed to benefit workers across Canada. The Sustainable Jobs Act (Bill C-50) is aimed at shaping Canada’s strategy to protect and create good, low-carbon jobs, while anti-scab Bill C-58 is focused on restoring fairness for workers in collective bargaining, yet the Conservatives are doing everything in their power to block these bills.

“At a time when workers and their families are reflecting on a year that was marked by a crushing affordability crisis, the devastating impacts of climate change and constant undermining of workers’ rights by wealthy corporations, Poilievre has opted to double down on attacking working people.

“Mr. Poilievre’s actions in Parliament differ sharply from the public persona he is trying to create. But recent polls indicate that the public is starting to see through the nonsense. Whether it’s voting against school meals for hungry kids, filibustering legislation that would create and protect good jobs, or siding with corporations over everyday Canadians, Poilievre and the Conservatives consistently oppose the priorities that Canada’s unions advocate for on behalf of all workers. We won’t let it go unchallenged.

“Canada’s unions strongly urge Mr. Poilievre and his colleagues in the Conservative Party to stop using workers and their families as political pawns. Parliamentarians of all stripes must work together for the good of hardworking people across this country. That starts with passing Bill C-50 and Bill C-58.”

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OTTAWA––Workers from across Canada took to Parliament Hill this week to urge the government to create a public, universal pharmacare system.

“This government had a chance to show that they are serious about pharmacare, but we saw no mention of it in the recent fall economic statement,” said Bea Bruske, President of the Canadian Labour Congress. “This government has been talking about implementing pharmacare for years. Canadians have waited long enough, it’s time for this government to walk the talk.”

Pharmacare is a cornerstone of the Liberal-NDP supply and confidence agreement, with the two parties agreeing to introduce legislation by the end of 2023.

“The Liberals are running out of time to make pharmacare a reality,” said Bruske. “Hundreds of workers are in Ottawa this week to make it clear they expect the government to stand by its promise and make a universal public prescription drug plan happen and provide coverage for all.”

In addition to pharmacare, Canada’s workers are ramping up pressure on parliamentarians to pass Bill C-58 to ban scab labour and Bill C-50, the Sustainable Jobs Act rapidly.

Bill C-58 is currently being debated in the House and Pierre Poilievre and the Conservative Caucus have yet to state a clear and coherent stance on it. Despite the bill receiving support from the NDP and the Bloc Québecois, Poilievre continues to claim he needs more information before making a decision.

“Workers want to know: Do the Conservatives support the bill – support workers – or not?” said Bruske. “Poilievre is loud on rhetoric and good with soundbites, but completely silent on his real agenda – workers see through his nonsense.”

“In not clearly stating his support of Bill C-58, Pierre Poilievre has once again shown his true colours. He can talk all he wants about being for workers, but he has a chance right now to show that he’s with them and instead of doing that he is stalling the process – just like with Bill C-50,” said Bruske. “Poilievre has a long track record of attacking workers’ rights and siding with profitable corporations over everyday people, which makes clear the kind of leader he is. We remember when he introduced anti-labour laws and helped rich corporations pay even less in taxes and voted to cut support for unemployed workers. We know that he will vote against workers’ interests, every time.”

Canada’s unions also call on the government to take immediate action to move Bill C-50 forward and for the Conservatives to end their obstruction of the act.

“It’s time to move forward. Pierre Poilievre and the Conservatives have wasted enough time. Workers see through the Conservatives’ nonsense,’’ said Bruske. “Workers and their families are struggling to make ends meet and worry that they’ll be out of work as we transition our economy. I urge the Liberal government to introduce legislation to enact universal pharmacare and to move forward with bills C-50 and C-58.”

The Canadian Labour Congress is the largest labour organization in Canada, bringing together dozens of national and international unions, provincial and territorial federations of labour and community-based labour councils to represent more than 3 million workers across the country.

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