Summary with limited quotation under fair dealing (Copyright Act, s. 29). Full column at the source link above.
Tom Sandborn’s rabble.ca column covers NDP MP Heather McPherson’s private member’s bill, Bill C-259, the Fair Representation Act, which targets what she calls “employer influenced unions” — bodies Sandborn and other critics label “yellow dog unions.” The column singles out the Christian Labour Association of Canada (CLAC) as the prime example, recounting CLAC’s letter of support for contractor Peter Kiewit Sons after a workplace death (Sam Fitzpatrick, 2009) led to a record WorkSafeBC fine that was subsequently reduced.
CLAC’s executive director Wayne Prins is quoted objecting that the bill “advances [nothing for] the interests of everyday working Canadians.” The Canadian Labour Congress, by contrast, applauded the bill for giving the Canada Industrial Relations Board “stronger tools to protect workers’ right to independent, democratic unions.” The Edmonton and District Labour Council, IUOE Local 955, and IBEW Local 424 are noted as early supporters. The bill had its first hour of debate on June 4, with a second hour slated for October.
The column’s NDP-transition relevance is the new leader’s endorsement. Avi Lewis, the newly elected NDP leader, is quoted backing the initiative:
“Workers fought for generations to build strong, independent unions. Those gains shouldn’t be taken for granted. Protecting union independence means protecting workers’ ability to stand together and fight for better wages, safer workplaces, and more dignity on the job.”
McPherson is quoted challenging every MP — Pierre Poilievre’s caucus included — to support the bill if they genuinely back labour rights and worker safety.