Quebec's Labour Minister, Jean Boulet, is facing backlash from Canada's largest union, CUPE, over his proposal to introduce legislation that would grant the province greater authority in resolving labour disputes. Boulet expressed his intention to amend the province's labour code, potentially allowing the government to intervene in strikes and lockouts by imposing arbitration. He also hinted at expanding the list of essential services, which could restrict the right to strike for workers in certain sectors. CUPE vehemently opposes these measures, asserting that the right to strike is a fundamental right protected by the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
MONTREAL — Canada's largest union is denouncing a statement by Quebec 's labour minister, who suggested he might try to bring in legislation to give the province more power to end labour dispute s. The Canadian Union of Public Employees is describing Jean Boulet as'the Grinch trying to steal the right to strike.' Boulet told CBC/Radio-Canada that he's mulling changing the province's labour code to allow the government to suspend a strike or lockout and impose arbitration.
The legislation would be modeled on a similar law at the federal level that has been used to end strikes at Canada's ports, railways and at Canada Post. Boulet told the outlet he's also considering expanding the province's list of essential services, which could prevent workers in some sectors from striking. His office did not respond for a request for comment. CUPE says the right to strike is protected under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, and attempts to undermine it will be'inevitably' struck down in court. 'The right to strike is a fundamental right, a cornerstone of our democracy,' CUPE Quebec President Patrick Gloutney said in a news release.'Taking advantage of the holiday season to try to weaken it shows deep disdain for those who fight every day for fair working conditions.'
Labour Dispute Strike Legislation Quebec CUPE
Canada Latest News, Canada Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Labour minister asks Canada Industrial Relations Board to step into Canada Post contract disputeLabour Minister Steven MacKinnon speaks at a press conference about the rail labour disputes between the Teamsters Canada Rail Conference, Canadian Pacific Kansas City and Canadian National Railway, in Ottawa on Thursday, Aug. 22, 2024.
Read more »
Quebec Labour Minister Eyes More Government Power in DisputesQuebec Labour Minister Jean Boulet is considering changes to the law that would give the government more authority to intervene in labour disputes. He is also exploring expanding the list of essential services, which could restrict striking rights for some workers.
Read more »
Federal Labour Minister Steven MacKinnon to provide update on Canada Post strikeFederal Labour Minister Steven MacKinnon will hold a news conference this morning to provide an update on the strike at Canada Post.
Read more »
Labour minister says Canada Post workers could soon be forced back to workCanada’s labour minister has asked the industrial relations board to review the state of negotiations between Canada Post and its union and, if it sees fit, to order striking postal workers back to work.
Read more »
Federal minister asks labour board to intervene in Canada Post strikeOTTAWA — Federal Labour Minister Steven MacKinnon says he is 'calling a timeout' in the Canada Post strike, and asking the Canada Industrial Relations Board to send about 55,000 employees back to work.
Read more »
Federal minister asks labour board to intervene in Canada Post strikeOTTAWA — Federal Labour Minister Steven MacKinnon says he is 'calling a timeout' in the Canada Post strike, and asking the Canada Industrial Relations Board to send about 55,000 employees back to work.
Read more »