The Canadian Association of University Teachers (CAUT) joins the Canadian Labour Congress and its affiliates in condemning the federal government's move to limit the right to strike for federally regulated workers.
Bill C-39 would reform the Canada Labour Code to grant the Minister of Labour the power to end a legal strike, weakening workers’ ability to engage in meaningful collective bargaining.
“The right of workers to withdraw their labour has been recognized by the Supreme Court of Canada as protected by the Charter,” said CAUT Executive Director David Robinson. “Strikes are always taken as a last resort, but they are the only real leverage that workers have to level the playing field when negotiating with employers.”
Robinson said changes to the Canada Labour Code should “strengthen the ability of workers to engage in meaningful collective bargaining and respect fundamental labour rights and dignity.”
While the legislation would affect only those who work in federally regulated industries, Robinson is concerned that Ottawa’s actions will embolden some of the provinces to follow suit.
CAUT has pledged to work with the Canadian Labour Congress and its affiliates to campaign for amendments to Bill C-39 that strengthen and respect the rights of working people.
