Ottawa to ban use of replacement workers during strikes, lockouts in federally regulated workplaces

A worker holding a strike sign. Photo: Martin Lopez/Pixels
Source: Government of Canada

Editor’s note: The following text is taken from the 2023 federal budget.

The ability to form a union, bargain collectively, and strike is essential to a healthy democracy. These important rights can be undermined when an employer brings in replacement workers to temporarily do the work of unionized workers during a strike or lockout.

Budget 2023 proposes to table amendments to the Canada Labour Code, before the end of 2023, that would prohibit the use of replacement workers during a strike or lockout, and improve the process to review activities that must be maintained to ensure the health and safety of the public during a work stoppage.

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