TORONTO, June 19,
2024 /CNW/ - The Canadian Federation of Independent
Business (CFIB) is extremely disappointed by Monday's Senate third
reading vote to pass Bill C-58. By further limiting the use of
replacement workers during strikes or lockout in federally
regulated workplaces, Ottawa is
giving large unions more power and incentives to go on strikes more
frequently.
Replacement workers are rarely used by employers in strikes or
lockouts and can never replace large-scale operational units. But
they can be used strategically to keep key functions going during a
strike. It's also one of the very few powers employers have to keep
negotiations going, as Canada's
labour laws are already heavily tilted in favour of organized
labour. Removing this option for employers could have major
negative consequences during crucial upcoming negotiations between
federally regulated employers and unions.
A strong majority of CFIB members don't support a ban on the use
of replacement workers. Every time work stoppages shut down
essential services, they put our economy further at risk at the
expense of small businesses, their employees and the people they
serve. Unfortunately, Members of Parliament have shown that
catering to unions at this time is more politically advantageous
than doing the right thing for small businesses and the
economy.
-
Jasmin Guénette, Vice-President, National Affairs, CFIB
About CFIB
The Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) is
Canada's largest association of
small and medium-sized businesses with 97,000 members across every
industry and region. CFIB is dedicated to increasing business
owners' chances of success by driving policy change at all levels
of government, providing expert advice and tools, and negotiating
exclusive savings. Learn more at cfib.ca.
SOURCE Canadian Federation of Independent Business