Newton-North Delta MP Sukh Dhaliwal supports bill to restrict replacement workers

For Immediate Release

(OTTAWA)  - Sukh Dhaliwal today announced that he will be voting in favour of Bill C-257 (Replacement Workers) when it comes before the House for second reading this week.

“This bill addresses a concern that the Canada Labour Code provision puts an unfair burden on unions to prove that replacement workers are trying to undermine the union.  Bill C-257 would remove the onus and would put in place an important protection for workers, in particular striking workers, whose bargaining powers could be limited by an employer’s ability to use replacement workers.  Passage of Bill C-257 would allow workers to fully exercise their democratic right to collective bargaining. It provides for a healthy work environment during disputes and prevents protracted strikes or lockouts.  Bill C-257 is a measure that is long overdue.” said Dhaliwal.

A similar Bill (C-263) was introduced by the Bloc in the previous session and narrowly defeated (143-131) at second reading on April 13, 2005.  The re-introduced Bill is different from its predecessor in two regards: section 2.2 creates a managerial exemption; and a clause in section 2.1 prevents employers from using the services of an employee…to discharge the duties of an employee he employees in the establishment to discharge the duties of an employee who is a member of the bargaining unit on strike or locked out. 

As well the bill specifically protects the jobs of employees after a strike or lockout (unless the employer has good and sufficient cause) and sets a fine amount ($1,000 per day) for failure to comply with the proposed Act. 

Concluded Dhaliwal, “I have received many letters from concerned citizens in my community and I also had the opportunity to sit down with representatives of the Newton-North Delta and Westminster District Labour Council to discuss several issues including Bill C-257.  I agree with the argument for the need for Federal legislation on replacement workers in order to protect working families and this Bill is a step in the right direction.”

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Contact:         
Kyle Harrietha
613-266-9859