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"We have made the point time and again how destructive is the use of replacement workers to the process of negotiation. The Supreme Court of Canada has already stated that the right to organize and bargain without interference is a protected right under the Charter. Anti-scab legislation is crutucal to those rights." — Bert Blundon, NUPGE President
Ottawa (26 Oct. 2022) — Parliament will be holding consultations on the long-awaited federal anti-scab legislation according to an announcement made by Seamus O'Regan, federal Minister of Labour, Senator Hassan Yussuff, and Alexandre Boulerice, NDP Labour Critic.
With the announcement, 2 documents were released to form the basis of discussion:Improving the maintenance of activities under the Canada Labour Code and Prohibiting replacement workers in federally regulated industries. The government is encouraging consultation via email rather than by formal hearings
"Anti-scab legislation has been promised by the Liberal government in the past, but the real proof of their commitment will be reflected in the power of the legislation and not in the announcement itself," said Bert Blundon, President of the National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE). "We have made the point time and again how destructive is the use of replacement workers to the process of negotiation. The Supreme Court of Canada has already stated that the right to organize and bargain without interference is a protected right under the Charter. Anti-scab legislation is critical to those rights."
The consultations will be held until December 16, 2022. The government is encouraging interested parties to submit feedback by email and stakeholders will be selected to appear via virtual roundtables.
The government has promised legislation by the end of 2023.