NDP Presents Anti-Scab Bill

Today, New Democrats presented their first bill to be debated in the House of Commons this Parliament. The anti-scab bill, presented by deputy Labour critic Karine Trudel (Jonquière), would protect workers in the event of a strike or lockout.

“When employers hire scabs during a strike or lockout, it’s unfair to workers and undermines their right to bargain collectively,” said Trudel. “We must show leadership when it comes to respecting workers. This bill is an opportunity for the Liberal government to prove that the tone in Ottawa has really changed.”

This bill seeks to implement the same kind of provision that already exists in provinces like Quebec and British Columbia, but at the federal level. It would enhance protections for employees governed by the Canada Labour Code in the event of a strike or lockout – guaranteeing their right to collective bargaining.

“Adopting this bill will send a strong message to workers across the country: the right to bargain collectively about their working conditions must be respected,” added the MP.

A number of unions are supporting the bill, including the Canadian Union of Public Employees. "CUPE welcomes this legislation which would give employers more incentive to sit down and negotiate with workers, and could lead to fewer and shorter strikes and lockouts" concluded Mark Hancock, president of CUPE.