Replacement Worker Ban Could Give Unions Disproportionate Power Over Canada’s Economy, MPs Told

The Parliament Buildings are seen beyond the Alexandra Bridge in Ottawa on Sept. 7, 2022. The Canadian Press/Adrian Wyld

An amendment to labour laws to ban replacement workers in the federal private sector during strikes could give unions outsized control over Canada’s economy, including potentially shutting down key infrastructure, employers told MPs.

Derrick Hynes, the CEO of Federally Regulated Employers Transportation and Communications Association, testified before the House of Commons human resources committee regarding proposed changes to the Canada Labour Code as part of Bill C-58, which looks to ban the use of replacement workers.