The House of Commons voted Oct.25 167 to 101 in favour of Bill C-257, a law that would make it illegal for employers covered by the Canada Labour Code to hire scabs.
While the bill, sponsored by the Bloc Québecois, has many steps to go before becoming law, yesterday’s second reading vote is an important step.
Normally government members use second reading - their first opportunity to vote on a bill - to defeat private members bills they oppose.
But yesterday, the Conservatives, who govern by a slim minority, had their votes cancelled out by some Liberals who voted for the bill, while the Bloc and the NDP carried the vote.
“This is an encouraging step,” said Paul Moist. “Let’s hope parliament moves on with the next stages of the legislative process without delay.”
The bill had also received support from union activists across the country including CUPE members who sent in hundreds of emails to their MPs via the CUPE website.