September 3, 2024
The Right Honourable Justin Trudeau
Prime Minister of Canada
Office of the Prime Minister
80 Wellington Street
Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0A2
Re: The Right to Strike and Free and Fair Collective Bargaining
Dear Prime Minister Trudeau,
I am writing to you this Labour Day on behalf of the Confederation of Canadian Unions (CCU), representing thousands of workers across the country who are deeply committed to upholding the principles of workers’ rights, social justice, and fairness.
The CCU is the largest association of independent, democratic unions in Canada, and it is with great disappointment and concern that I address the recent actions of your government, particularly the suppression of the fundamental right to strike. We believe this gravely undermines the right to collective bargaining—a cornerstone of any democratic society.
The right to strike is not merely a privilege. It is a fundamental right recognized both nationally and internationally as an essential part of the collective bargaining process. The International Labour Organization (ILO), of which Canada is a member, has repeatedly affirmed that the right to strike is an intrinsic aspect of the freedom of association.
This enables workers to take collective action to defend their interests, negotiate fair wages, secure safe working conditions, and ensure their voices are heard in the workplace. And at a time of wage stagnation, high levels of inflation and radically growing inequality, upholding these rights is more important than ever before.
But the suppression of the right to strike and collective bargaining does not only infringe on the legal rights of workers. It also disrupts the delicate balance between employers and employees, eroding the very foundation of equitable labour relations in Canada.
The recent legislative actions undertaken by your government to curtail the right to strike are seen by many in the labour movement as a direct attack on collective bargaining. It is deeply troubling that, in a country like Canada, which prides itself on democratic values and human rights, the government would resort to such measures. These actions not only undermine the trust between the government and the working people, but also set a dangerous precedent that could weaken the labour movement and diminish workers’ ability to negotiate on equal footing with employers.
Collective bargaining is a process built on mutual respect and the recognition that both parties—workers and employers—have legitimate interests that must be balanced. When the government intervenes to suppress the right to strike, it tips the scales in favour of employers, effectively silencing workers and their unions. This imbalance does not lead to fair or sustainable agreements. Instead, it fosters resentment, distrust, and a sense of injustice among workers who feel their voices are being stifled by those in power.
Moreover, the suppression of the right to strike has broader implications for our society as a whole. Labour movements like those in the CCU have historically been at the forefront of advocating for social justice, equality, and improved living standards for all Canadians. By weakening the power of unions, the government not only diminishes the ability of workers to advocate for themselves, but also hampers our broader efforts to achieve a more just society. The ripple effects of these actions extend far beyond the workplace, affecting the social fabric of our nation and undermining the principles of fairness and justice that Canadians hold so dear.
Prime Minister, we urge you to reconsider the path your government has taken and to reaffirm your commitment to the rights of workers and the principles of collective bargaining. The CCU and its members believe in constructive dialogue and partnership between labour and government. However, this partnership must be based on mutual respect and a shared commitment to upholding the fundamental rights of all Canadians, including the right to strike.
We call on your government to take immediate steps to reverse the measures that have suppressed the right to strike and to engage in meaningful dialogue with labour organizations across the country. It is only through such cooperation that we can build a fair and just society where the rights of all citizens, including workers, are respected and protected.
The CCU stands ready to work with your government to find solutions that respect the rights of workers and ensuring the prosperity and well-being of all Canadians. On this Labour Day, we celebrate this special occasion and renew our efforts to building a strong, vibrant, progressive labour movement that is essential to achieving a just society.
I look forward to your response and to working together to protect the rights of workers across our great country.
Sincerely,
Gregory Ball
President, Confederation of Canadian Unions (CCU)
(613) 518-8116
president@ccu-csc.ca
www.ccu-csc.ca
CC: Federal Minister of Labour Steven MacKinnon
Federal NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh
Federal NDP Critic for Labour Matthew Green
