THE Canadian government has introduced legislation proposing a ban on the use of replacement workers during a strike or lockout in federally regulated sectors, including ports, railway transportation, banking, and telecommunications, reports the American Journal of Transportation.
This long-expected won swift approval from labor unions but faced sharp criticism from industry groups, ranging from small businesses to manufacturers and grain exporters.
Recent docker strikes at British Columbia ports, including Vancouver and Prince Rupert, have disrupted billions of dollars in trade and created chaos in supply chains.
At the Port of Quebec, 80 longshoremen have been locked out by employers since September of last year.
Canadian Chamber of Commerce president Perrin Beatty emphasized that, although infrequently utilised, replacement workers allow organisations in critical sectors like trucking, rail, ports, telecom, and air to maintain essential services. The Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) has characterized Bill C-58 as 'terrible news for small businesses.'
'If passed, this bill could prolong the duration of strikes and increase their frequency,' said CFIB vice president Jasmin Guenette.
'There's a reason why similar bills were always voted down in the past. They put too much power in the hands of large unions, and they are a threat to the economy. It looks like this bill is introduced for political reasons and not because it's necessary,' he said.
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This long-expected won swift approval from labor unions but faced sharp criticism from industry groups, ranging from small businesses to manufacturers and grain exporters.
Recent docker strikes at British Columbia ports, including Vancouver and Prince Rupert, have disrupted billions of dollars in trade and created chaos in supply chains.
At the Port of Quebec, 80 longshoremen have been locked out by employers since September of last year.
Canadian Chamber of Commerce president Perrin Beatty emphasized that, although infrequently utilised, replacement workers allow organisations in critical sectors like trucking, rail, ports, telecom, and air to maintain essential services. The Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) has characterized Bill C-58 as 'terrible news for small businesses.'
'If passed, this bill could prolong the duration of strikes and increase their frequency,' said CFIB vice president Jasmin Guenette.
'There's a reason why similar bills were always voted down in the past. They put too much power in the hands of large unions, and they are a threat to the economy. It looks like this bill is introduced for political reasons and not because it's necessary,' he said.
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