Heavy-handed use of labour code has painted federal government into a corner, unions say

The repeated use of Section 107 of the Canada Labour Code by the federal government to end strikes and force employees back to work has sparked backlash from union officials and experts. The recent attempt to send striking Air Canada flight attendants back to work through the Canadian Industrial Relations Board (CIRB) failed, as the union stood firm in their strike until negotiations resumed.

Union leaders, like CUPE national president Mark Hancock, believe that the government’s reliance on Section 107 is ineffective in resolving labour disputes. Despite the government’s efforts to intervene, it was only when both parties returned to the negotiating table that a deal was reached to end the strike.

Canadian Labour Congress president Bea Bruske criticized the government for underestimating the workers’ determination to secure fair collective agreements. The defiance of the CIRB’s orders by the union members has essentially rendered Section 107 ineffective, as workers now understand the power they hold in negotiations.

Gilles LeVasseur, a law and management professor, highlighted the legal implications of defying a CIRB order to return to work. While fines can be imposed on individuals and unions for non-compliance, enforcement of the order requires filing in federal court, a step that both Air Canada and the CIRB have been hesitant to take.

Looking ahead, union leaders are determined to push for the removal of Section 107 from the labour code. They argue that the provision undermines democratic processes by bypassing parliamentary debate and giving unilateral power to the minister. The failure of Section 107 in recent labour disputes has galvanized the labour movement to campaign against its use in the future.

In conclusion, the government’s reliance on Section 107 to end strikes has not yielded the desired results and has only strengthened the resolve of workers and unions in their bargaining efforts. Moving forward, union leaders are united in their efforts to ensure that Section 107 is never used again in labour negotiations. The world of technology is constantly evolving, with new innovations and advancements being made every day. One of the most exciting areas of technology that is gaining popularity is virtual reality (VR). Virtual reality refers to a computer-generated simulation of a three-dimensional environment that can be interacted with in a seemingly real or physical way by a person using special electronic equipment, such as a helmet with a screen inside or gloves fitted with sensors.

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