NDP MPs Don Davies and Leah Gazan stood with labour leaders and union members Tuesday to announce new legislation aimed at protecting the right to strike in Canada.
Gazan’s Bill C-247 would repeal Section 107 of the Canada Labour Code — a clause that gives the federal government power to force striking workers back to the job without debate or a vote in Parliament.
The Liberal government has invoked the measure at least eight times to end strikes involving railway workers, Canada Post employees, port workers, and flight attendants at Air Canada.
NDP Labour Critic Don Davies said the measure has been used by both Liberal and Conservative governments to side with management and override workers’ rights. He called for an end to the misuse of federal power in labour disputes.
Gazan added that the bill would restore democratic principles and fairness to the bargaining process.
Labour leaders are backing the move. Canadian Labour Congress President Bea Bruske said the law has allowed governments to violate constitutional rights for too long and thanked the NDP for taking action.
CUPE National President Mark Hancock added that the current law damages both workers and the right to free collective bargaining.
Bill C-247 was introduced Monday and is expected to be debated later in this Parliament. Unions have pledged to rally support across the country to push for its passage.
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