Minister of Labour
House of Commons
Ottawa, Ontario
K1A 0A6
Dear Minister Leitch,
In light of the recent January 2015 decision of the Supreme Court of Canada, stating that the right to strike is protected by the Canadian Constitution, the CCU urges the Canadian government to take a strong stance at the International Labour Organization (ILO) in defence of fundamental justice in international labour relations.
Employer Representatives of the ILO have, in spite of fifty years of past practice, taken the interpretation that Convention 87 of the ILO does not include the right to strike. In addition, they have blocked attempts to refer the matter to the International Court of Justice for a ruling.
The Supreme Court of Canada has stated that freedom of association must include a right to strike. This, of course, is contrary to the interpretation of employer representatives at the ILO.
The Confederation of Canadian Unions urges the Canadian government to stand with the international rule of law and take the position that Convention 87 be referred by the ILO to the International Court of Justice for interpretation on whether it includes a right to strike.
Sincerely,
John Hanrahan
President, Confederation of Canadian Unions
Cc: Labour Critics of all parties in opposition
International Labour Organization
