Restrictive Labour Laws

Labour Rights Under Attack

230 Restrictive labour laws

In the past three decades Canadians have seen a serious erosion of a fundamental and universal human right, their right to organize into a union and engage in full and free collective bargaining.  Federal and provincial governments have passed numerous labour laws since 1982 that have restricted, suspended or denied collective bargaining rights for Canadian workers.

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Title Jurisdiction Type of Legislation Datesort ascending

Labour Relations Act (May 2001)

The government invoked section 148 of the Act to suspend the right to strike for Edmonton municipal employees and paramedics

Alberta Back to work - settlement imposed May 2001

Back to School Act (Toronto and Windsor), 2001 (Bill 13, April)

The Act ended a strike by clerical and educational assistant employees, custodial and maintenance employees and instructors in Toronto and Essex school boards and provided for the appointment of a mediator-arbitrator if the parties did not conclude a new collective agreement within seven days.

Ontario Back to work - dispute sent to arbitration April 2001

An Act to Ensure the Continuation of Certain Public Services in the Public Service, 2001 (Bill 30, March)

The Act ordered an end to a strike by CUPE members, extended their collective agreements and gave harsh penalties for refusal to comply with the legislation including revocation of union certification.

New Brunswick Back to work - settlement imposed March 2001

Skills Development and Fair Wage Repeal Act, 2001 (Bill 22)

The Act removed the requirement from employers in the construction industry to hire unionized workers when performing public works.

British Columbia Restrictions on scope of bargaining January 2001

Labour Relations Amendment Act, 2000 (Bill 139, December)

The Act facilitated decertification of workers’ organizations by requiring employers to post documents setting out the process.

Ontario Restrictions on scope of bargaining December 2000

An Act respecting the resumption of normal public transport service in the territory of the Société de transport de la Communauté urbaine de Québec, 2000 (Bill 183, December)

The Act ended a strike by transit workers, extended the collective agreement and provided for the appointment of a mediation council to resolve outstanding disputes between the parties.

Quebec Back to work - dispute sent to arbitration December 2000

Back to School Act, 2000 (Bill 145, November)

The Act ended a lockout of teachers employed by the Hamilton-Wentworth (public) school board and imposed compulsory arbitration.

Ontario Back to work - dispute sent to arbitration November 2000

An Act to order the resumption of certain road freight transport services, 2000 (Bill 157, November)

The Act ordered an end to a strike by commercial truck drivers that was disrupting freight transportation and imposed penalties for violation of the Act.

Quebec Back to work - dispute sent to arbitration November 2000

Financial Measures Act, 2000 (Bill 46, June)

The Act withdrew government funding from the public sector arbitration process, with the result that arbitration became fully funded by employers and bargaining agents.

Nova Scotia Restrictions on scope of bargaining October 2000

Health Care Services Continuation Act, 2000 (Bill 2, June)

The Act ended a province-wide strike by health care professionals, imposed a 60-day “cooling-off” period and ordered the parties to resume bargaining.

British Columbia Back to work - dispute sent to arbitration October 2000

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