Two anti-union laws scrapped: The Labour Minister puts her money where her mouth is

MONTREAL, Jan. 29, 2016 /CNW Telbec/ - The Confédération des syndicats nationaux (CSN) hails the Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour, MaryAnn Mihychuk, who followed through with her promise by tabling legislation in the House of Commons yesterday to repeal two anti-union bills introduced by Stephen Harper's Conservative Party.

"Last November, I was able to speak with the minister by phone and she verbally committed to repealing the completely anti-democratic Bills C-377 and C-525. We are pleased to see that Mrs. Mihychuk is a woman of her word," stated CSN Secretary-General Jean Lortie.

In a press release issued by the federal government, the minister wrote: "Our Government recognizes that unions play an important role in protecting the rights of Canadian workers and in helping the middle class grow and prosper. That's why we're proud to be pursuing our commitment to help restore a fair and balanced approach to labour relations in Canada by repealing Bills C-377 and C-525."

Passed in the fall of 2015, Bill C-377 forced unions to publicly disclose all expenses over $5,000 and required them to provide a detailed breakdown of all expenses not related to negotiations on working conditions with employers.  The Conservatives also wanted unions to specify amounts spent on collective bargaining and in support of social battles. Among 90,000 non-profit organizations in Canada, unions were the only ones asked to comply with such a requirement.  

As for Bill C-525, it forced a secret ballot vote be held in order to obtain new union certification under Canada Labour Code jurisdiction. This law made it more difficult for workers to have access to the right of association.

"These two laws singlehandedly pushed the union movement back to a dark age not seen for 40 years. The Liberal government has kept its promise. Now we hope the Senate will not throw a wrench in the government's plans. After all, this is a move toward preserving a fundamental democratic principle," concluded Mr. Lortie.

About

Founded in 1921, the CSN is a union organization working for a united, democratic, just, equitable and sustainable society. In this capacity, it is involved in many debates that are relevant to society. It is composed of nearly 2,000 unions. It includes more than 325,000 workers united on a sectoral or professional basis in eight federations, as well as regionally on thirteen central councils, mainly in Quebec.

SOURCE CSN

Dave Parent, advisor, CSN Information Service, [phone], [email protected]