Protecting the right to strike

Dear PEA members,

The right to strike is a fundamental part of meaningful collective bargaining. PEA members saw that firsthand during the last round of public sector bargaining. When workers act collectively, including taking legal strike action, it gives them meaningful leverage at the bargaining table.

This is why the PEA is concerned about the proposed changes to the Canada Labour Code, proposed by the federal government through Bill C-39.

The legislation would establish a process that, in certain federally regulated labour disputes, could allow the federal Labour Minister to direct the Canada Industrial Relations Board to order a resumption of operations and establish a binding process to resolve outstanding issues. The federal government says these powers would be reserved for exceptional disputes with significant national impacts. Canada’s unions, including the Canadian Labour Congress (CLC), have raised concerns that the changes would give government too much power to intervene in legal strikes and weaken collective bargaining.

The CLC has launched a national campaign calling for changes to Bill C-39 and providing workers with an opportunity to contact their Member of Parliament. PEA members who would like to learn more or sign the CLC’s campaign message should click HERE.

We have also sent a letter to our local Minister expressing our concerns over Bill C-39.

In solidarity,

Cliff Haman
President