Liberals plan changes to labour law to strengthen strike-ending powers

The Liberal government is expected to introduce legislation next week that would explicitly give the labour minister authority to direct the Canada Industrial Relations Board to end work stoppages and order arbitration under Section 107 of the Canada Labour Code. According to senior government sources, the proposed changes would be part of the government's fall bill, the Building Canada Strong Act. The government says the goal is to support economic stability, protect jobs and address labour disputes in sectors that can affect exports and supply chains, such as ports and rail. Section 107 has existed since 1984, but the Liberals have used it more frequently in recent years to end strikes and send workers back on the job. Unions have criticized that approach, saying it weakens bargaining rights and has been challenged in Federal Court. Jobs Minister Patty Hajdu said the new measures would not change workers' right to strike and would be used only in a limited number of serious disputes.