Canadians and small firms oppose forced union dues

TORONTO, Sept. 2 /CNW/ - A survey by the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) has found that 84 per cent of the country's small businesses agree that employees should be protected from being forced to pay union dues in unionized workplaces. These views are consistent with those of most Canadians who favour an employee-led approach to union dues, and suggest that it's time to reconsider the laws that govern workplaces in Canada.

"When it comes to forcing workers to join the union and to pay union dues Canada increasingly stands alone," said CFIB President Catherine Swift. "In virtually all other major economies, including Europe and the United States, workers have the choice, a fact that often surprises Canadians who believe our approach to mandatory union dues is in the international mainstream."

Employees in virtually all unionized workplaces in Canada are required to pay full union dues regardless of whether or not they want to be an actual member of the union. In some provinces, paying dues where a union exists is mandatory. In most jurisdictions, however, legislation gives unions a guarantee upon demand that dues be deducted by an employer or is negotiated by unions and employers.

"It's high time that we took a closer look at our laws that seem to cater to the wishes of union leaders, but rarely, if ever, to the rights of employees - ironic given they are the most affected party," added Swift. "In fact, a poll taken in 2008 found that most Canadians support the European model, where employees who choose not to belong to a union either pay less dues or none at all."

In countries where the individual rights of employees are respected the benefits include a more satisfied and productive workforce and a stronger economy. With Labour Day upon us, CFIB is calling on governments across Canada to engage in meaningful consultations aimed at giving all workers the opportunity to fully exercise their individual right to associate and, as importantly, not to associate.

As Canada's largest association of small- and medium-sized businesses, CFIB is Powered by Entrepreneurs(TM). Established in 1971, CFIB takes direction from more than 107,000 members in every sector nationwide, giving independent business a strong and influential voice at all levels of government and helping to grow the economy.

For further information: To arrange an interview with Catherine Swift, please contact Adam Miller or Meghan Carrington at 416-222-8022 or via [email protected]