The Liberals introduced legislation Thursday that would ban replacement workers during employment activities in federally regulated sectors, a key element of the supply and confidence agreement with the NDP.
Labor Minister Seamus O’Regan said Bill C-58, if passed, would ban the use of substitute workers, known as “scabs”, during strikes or lockouts in federally regulated workplaces.
Exceptions apply in situations where there is a threat to health and safety or significant property or environmental damage that cannot be managed by the employer’s existing workforce.
If a union determines that an employer is using substitute workers beyond the exceptions, it will file a complaint with the Canada Industrial Relations Board (CIRB), which will investigate the matter.
“We prohibit the use of substitute workers because we believe in collective bargaining. Our economy depends on employers and workers negotiating agreements at the table,” O’Regan said. said in a news release.
“That’s where you get economic stability, strong labor relations and the best deals.”
Mr. Ottawa said the bill also proposes changes to improve the activity maintenance process.
Under the bill, employers and labor unions have 15 days from the start of the bargaining process to determine what work must continue during a strike or lockout. It is hoped that an agreement will be reached within the next two days. If no agreement is reached, the CIRB will have 90 days to decide which activities need to be maintained.
Mr. Ottawa said ministers will continue to have the power to refer questions to the CIRB to protect the health and safety of Canadians.
The Anti-Scab Act is a key element of the Supply and Confidence Agreement between the minority Liberal Party and the NDP. The two parties will sign a deal in 2022, under which the NDP will support the Liberals until 2025 based on implementation of a negotiated list of policies and priorities.
The Liberal Party promised to limit the use of substitutes in its 2021 election platform, which was reiterated in O’Regan’s proxy statement.
Labor unions have lobbied for this change for decades, and the Bloc Québécois and the National Democratic Party have introduced legislation in the past to block the hiring of replacement workers. They were all defeated by Liberal and Conservative votes.
In addition to federal public services, the proposed rule would apply to many federal It will also apply to royal companies. transportation services.
— With files from Canadian Press
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