Canada's unions prepare joint fight against Ottawa's labour bill C-39
The Canadian Labour Congress says unions are setting up a 'war room' for a joint defence if the federal government uses the new powers.
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Canadian labour leaders warned Thursday that unions could bring about nationwide job action if Ottawa passes proposed changes to the Canada Labour Code.
Bill C-39 includes language that would clarify a minister's power to scuttle a strike or lockout in federally regulated industries when the national interest is at stake. Union leaders say the framework is an attack on the right to strike.
Canadian Labour Congress president Bea Bruske said unions are setting up a "war room" to mount a joint defence. The plan is triggered if Ottawa uses the proposed powers to force workers off the picket line. Unions would share resources and legal expertise, and a coordinated response could mean a day of job actions across the country.
Bill C-39 is up for debate and amendments on Parliament Hill. Bruske said she does not feel the Liberals are willing to budge on their major economic legislation.
The bill was introduced as the Building Canada Strong Act. The government has described it as Canada's most consequential economic legislation in decades, and says the Labour Code changes are meant to modernize collective bargaining and increase transparency.
