Changes to Bill C-39 Erode Workers’ Rights and Undermine Fair Collective Bargaining

“The labour provisions outlined in Bill C-39 should concern all Canadians!

We are deeply concerned that the federal government has chosen to preserve and formalize its ability to intervene in lawful strikes. The right to strike is not simply about walking off the job. It is a tool that gives workers essential leverage at the bargaining table and encourages meaningful negotiations. When employers can count on government intervention to end a strike, they have less incentive to bargain in good faith. This undermines the balance between the parties, creates instability, and makes it harder for workers to secure fair wages, safer workplaces, better working conditions, and the protections they deserve.

What happens to workers in federally regulated workplaces matters to the entire labour movement, and the precedents set in one jurisdiction can influence labour relations everywhere. We stand in solidarity with workers and unions across Canada who are defending the right to bargain freely and fairly.

Federal unions are already challenging the government’s use of section 107 to end lawful strikes, arguing that it violates the Charter-protected right to strike. Bill C-39 would expressly authorize similar intervention, raising serious constitutional concerns of its own. We were clear during the government’s consultation: workers’ constitutional right to strike must be protected, and Section 107 of the Canada Labour Code should not be used to end lawful job action or impose a settlement.

Canada does not have to choose between a strong economy and strong workers’ rights. A fair and resilient economy depends on workers having a meaningful voice, the ability to bargain collectively, and the power to stand together when negotiations fail. A safe and healthy workforce benefits every Canadian.
Prime Minister Carney and his government still have an opportunity to listen to workers and change course to build a stronger and more stable relationship between workers and corporations. We urge the government to reconsider Bill C-39 and adopt the recommendations Catholic teachers and others in the labour movement have put forward. Protect the right to strike, protect free and fair collective bargaining, and ensure Canada’s labour laws give workers a real voice.”

- René Jansen in de Wal, President of the Ontario English Catholic Teachers’ Association