Anti-Scab Legislation: a Victory for Workers Rights

October 25, 2006
Canadian Labour Congress

OTTAWA ... The Canadian Labour Congress applauds and congratulates the MPs who have voted approval in second reading of Bill C-257, which would make it illegal for employers to hire replacement workers while their own employees are locked out or on strike. Such legislation is already in place in British Columbia and Quebec.

-Canadians who work under the federal labour code are now a little closer to the fairness and balance that exist in labour relations in Quebec and in British Columbia," explains Ken Georgetti, president of the Canadian Labour Congress. -We urge the House of Commons to press on and move to third reading approval without delay."

-It is a victory for all Canadians when MPs from all four parties in the House of Commons join together to enshrine in law a call from working families for balance and fairness," says Hassan Yussuff, secretary-treasurer of the Canadian Labour Congress.

This legislation will help create more tranquil labour relations in the federal jurisdiction, including a significant drop in the statistics for work days lost due to strike or lockout. The use of replacement workers prolongs disputes and has often provided the flashpoint for violence or injury on picket lines.

The second reading vote tally was 167 in favour and 101 opposed.

The Canadian Labour Congress, the national voice of the labour movement, represents 3.2 million Canadian workers. The CLC brings together Canada's national and international unions along with the provincial and territorial federations of labour and 135 district labour councils.