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Tag: Canada Labour Code

  • Canada Post Faces Backlash Over Temporary Layoffs of Striking Workers

    Canada Post Faces Backlash Over Temporary Layoffs of Striking Workers

    As the nationwide strike by over 55,000 Canada Post workers approaches its second week, the Crown corporation has begun temporarily laying off employees, a move the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) has labeled a “scare tactic.” The union is now investigating whether this action violates the Canada Labour Code, which protects striking workers from layoffs.

    Layoffs Spark Tensions Amid Strike

    In a notice to its members, CUPW revealed that Canada Post had issued a “mass amount” of Records of Employment (ROEs), marking the first instance of such action in decades. These records, typically used to document an interruption in earnings, were sent to Service Canada instead of directly to affected workers due to disruptions in mail delivery. CUPW negotiator Jim Gallant estimated the layoffs impacted “hundreds” of both full-time and part-time employees.

    Gallant described the move as unprecedented in his 36-year career, noting its intimidating nature. “It creates high anxiety,” he said. “You’re on strike, not earning wages, and now you’re sent a document suggesting your employment has ended.”

    Legal Concerns Arise

    The controversy centers on conflicting interpretations of the Canada Labour Code. CUPW argues the layoffs may constitute an unfair labour practice, while Canada Post contends its actions comply with the law. A statement from Canada Post spokesperson Philomena Liu explained that the ongoing strike has forced the company to adjust operations, citing a section of the Labour Code permitting changes under lockout conditions.

    Employment lawyer Deborah Hudson described the layoffs as “unprecedented” and questioned their legality. “Workers are already unpaid during a strike,” she said. “If the layoffs persist, legal action from the union is inevitable, whether through grievances or unfair labour practice complaints.”

    A Climate of Escalating Disputes

    Earlier in November, Canada Post issued a lockout notice, though it assured employees that it had no intention of enforcing a lockout. Instead, the company claimed the notice was necessary to implement operational changes in response to the strike’s impact.

    The ongoing labour dispute highlights growing tensions between Canada Post and its workers, with significant implications for both parties. As the situation develops, the union’s potential legal action could set a critical precedent for labour relations in Canada.

    What’s Next?

    For now, CUPW continues to rally its members, urging them to stand firm amid these challenges. With both sides standing their ground, the resolution to this labour standoff remains uncertain, but its outcome could have long-lasting effects on unionized workforces across the country.

    Source : The Canadian Press

  • “Armed Criminal Threats Force Urgent Safety Overhaul for Maritime Fishery Officers”

    Halifax: Labour Investigator Warns of Armed Criminal Threats to Fishery Officers, Urges Immediate Action

    A federal labour investigator has ruled that heavily armed criminals present a serious threat to the lives of fisheries enforcement officers in the Maritimes, ordering immediate steps to improve safety measures.

    In a report released Friday, the federal labour program’s compliance unit stated that the current “protective equipment and tactical protocols” used during fisheries investigations are inadequate. The decision comes after fisheries officers filed work refusal applications under the Canada Labour Code, citing life-threatening conditions.

    The report highlights that fishery officers in the Maritime region have faced dangerous encounters with individuals carrying weapons. Intelligence reports indicate some fishers are armed with assault rifles, and there have been incidents involving outlaw motorcycle gangs in possession of firearms. Additionally, a number of these illegal fishers are convicted violent criminals who have directly threatened officers both in person and on social media.

    Further, the report details aggressive confrontations at sea, including enforcement efforts at the U.S.-Canada border, where officers have faced live fire during inspections of fishing gear.

    While the report doesn’t specify how these claims were verified, the findings underscore the increasing risks faced by fisheries officers. Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC), which oversees the federal labour program, declined to confirm the report’s specifics, citing confidentiality.

    Samuelle Carbonneau, a spokeswoman for ESDC, stated that the labour program is closely working with the employer to ensure the health and safety of workers while maintaining oversight until the issue is fully resolved.

    Meanwhile, Debbie Buott-Matheson, a spokesperson for the fisheries department, confirmed that officers are resuming their duties, adding that measures are being implemented to address the labour program’s directives. “The health and safety of our fishery officers remains our top concern. Acts of violence and threats toward them will not be tolerated,” she stated.

    Despite these assurances, experts are calling for more comprehensive data. Véronique Chadillon-Farinacci, a criminology professor at the University of Moncton, emphasized the need for more information to assess whether threats and violence against fishery officers have escalated.

    “There are anecdotal signs of a serious situation,” said Chadillon-Farinacci, adding that the role of fishery officers may be evolving to resemble that of law enforcement, given the severity of the threats they face.