NTFL Statement on Bill C-39

The Northern Territories Federation of Labour strongly condemns Bill C-39 (the Building Canada Strong Act), denouncing its proposed changes to the Canada Labour Code as a direct, unconstitutional attack on workers’ fundamental right to strike.

There are core concerns that the expansion of Section 107 formalizes and broadens the federal labour minister’s authority to unilaterally end lawful strikes or lockouts, force binding arbitration, and extend collective agreements under a “national interest” standard.  Northern workers have growing concerns that this effectively pre-empts free collective bargaining and hands immense leverage back to employers.

Let’s not forget that while the government previously touted protections against replacement workers, introducing sweeping strike-breaking powers via Bill C-39 undermines true collective bargaining for our Northern members who could face prolonged disputes and have been deeply disappointed by the employer response to bargaining proposals. 

Putting pressure on workers to absorb economic hardship is out of touch and harmful.  Empowering the Minister to halt work stoppages removes any genuine incentive for employers to negotiate fair deals at the table.

We need to be concerned about these changes at all levels of government, particularly here in the North where our Territorial governments often take their lead from the Feds.  The right to strike cannot be overturned by the “opinion” of one person. We cannot be “Elbows Up” with our hands tied.  Enough is enough.  Write to your MP now to demand our right to strike be protected.

– Sara-Jayne Dempster (She/Her)

President of the Northern Territories Federation of Labour