Multiple industry and labour sources tell CTV News they have been told to get ready for the introduction of significant labour legislation as soon as next week. A senior government source says plans are underway to introduce such legislation following a review of the Canadian Labour Code that began in April.
According to the sources, the legislation comes after a big push from federally regulated industries to provide more stability and predictability in places like ports, railways and air travel. All have seen work stoppages in the last few years.
The sources tell CTV News the legislation will be aimed at introducing binding arbitration before strike action is taken. Industry’s message to the government was that its traditional tool to use for binding arbitration, Section 107 of the Canadian Labour Code, can only be applied too late in the labour dispute process and from its perspective, does not adequately prevent the damage caused from a work stoppage
I don’t think this is going to go in favour of the unionized workers under federal jurisdiction…just my impression. This is heading in the direction of the American system where employees under federal legislation are unable to strike or even bargain collectively. Not good.