Undermining Workers’ Rights: Government Must End Section 107 Misuse
Statement from Bea Bruske, President of the Canadian Labour Congress
OTTAWA- The government’s decision to order CUPW workers back to work is a stark reminder of this government’s continued interference in collective bargaining. The misuse of Section 107 of the Canada Labour Code undermines workers’ fundamental rights, prolongs disputes, and erodes trust at the bargaining table.
Let me be clear: the best and most enduring agreements are negotiated—not imposed—through good-faith discussions at the table.
For over 150 years, Canada Post workers have connected communities, serving as the backbone of our postal system and our economy. They deserve fair wages, better working conditions, and dignity in retirement.
The invocation of Section 107 of the Canada Labour Code, Part I marks the fourth instance just this year in which the government has used this extraordinary power, impacting seven distinct groups of workers whose Charter-protected rights to engage in legal work stoppages have been trampled.
Such repeated interference not only infringes on these fundamental rights but also sets a dangerous precedent, signaling to employers that they can rely on the government to side with them instead of respecting the collective bargaining process. We demand an end to the abuse of Section 107 by the government, and clear guardrails to curtail the uses of this section at the whim of politicians.
At the same time, it is disappointing but not surprising to see Conservative Leader, Pierre Poilievre calling for government intervention to trample workers’ rights. Despite the lofty statements he makes in support of workers and their unions, Mr. Poilievre has repeatedly shown that when the rubber hits the road, he will never stand up with workers and their right to strike.
As we approach the next federal election, the government must consult with unions and workers about the misuse of Section 107 and commit to respecting workers’ rights. Undermining collective bargaining undermines democracy itself.
Canada’s unions stand in solidarity with postal workers and all workers who make the difficult decision to strike in pursuit of fairness. Workers are being left behind while corporations post record profits, exacerbating the growing economic inequities in this country. Government interventions that undermine collective bargaining rights only further tip the scales against working people.
The only path to lasting stability and fairness is mutual respect and good-faith negotiations—nothing less. We demand better for all workers across this country.