CUPE is celebrating the coming into force of Canada’s long-awaited federal anti-scab legislation. The law bans employers from hiring scab labour during strikes and lockouts, and comes into effect after it was officially passed by the House of Commons a year ago.
“This is about giving power back to workers,” said CUPE National President Mark Hancock. “The power to fight for better treatment at work, and the power to fight for a better life. It has been a long road to this moment, but thanks to the unshakeable determination of the labour movement and our friends in the federal NDP, we made it.”
Anti-scab laws – already in effect in BC, Manitoba, and Quebec – help restore balance in labour relations, and will benefit over 30,000 CUPE members who work in federally-regulated workplaces in communications and transportation.
“This is a historic milestone for workers’ rights in Canada,” said CUPE National Secretary-Treasurer Candace Rennick. “We salute all of the tireless efforts of union activists and advocates over the years to make this moment a reality, and together, we’ll keep fighting until every province follows suit.”