Toronto, June 19, 2024 – 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
For media enquiries or interviews, please contact:
Dariya Baiguzhiyeva, CFIB
647-464-2814
public.affairs@cfib.ca
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.
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