Latest news with #JohnZerucelli
Cision Canada
7 hours ago
- Business
- Cision Canada
Protecting Canadian Labour: Replacement Workers Legislation now in Force
GATINEAU, QC, June 20, 2025 /CNW/ - As of today, Bill C-58, An Act to amend the Canada Labour Code and the Canada Industrial Relations Board Regulations, 2012, came into force. This legislation strengthens protections for Canadian workers – because they are the foundation of Canada's ambition. What we heard is that the use of replacement workers compromises the fundamental right to strike; it can tip the scales, derail good faith bargaining, and heighten tensions. That is why the Government of Canada introduced and passed Bill C-58. Starting today, the use of replacement workers to do the work of unionized employees who are on strike or locked out is prohibited in federally regulated workplaces, allowing parties to stay focused on reaching fair, negotiated deals. Changes have also been made to improve the maintenance of activities process. Employers and unions must now come to an agreement within 15 days after notice to bargain is issued to determine what work needs to continue to protect the health and safety of the public during a work stoppage. If they cannot agree, the Canada Industrial Relations Board will decide what activities need to be maintained, if any. A strong economy depends on stable labour relations. These amendments to the Canada Labour Code will improve labour relations, protect workers' right to strike, limit interruptions to collective bargaining and provide greater stability to the economy during federal labour disputes. At the heart of the Government's vision is collaboration – and we thank the unions, stakeholders, workers and partners for their work on this bill – to make sure Canada has the skilled talent and support to meet the needs of this critical moment. Quotes "Banning the use of replacement workers in federally regulated sectors during strikes or lockouts is a major win for workers' rights, collective bargaining, and fairness. This is a historic victory after decades of union advocacy and paves the way for more stable, respectful labour relations in Canada." – Patty Hajdu, Minister of Jobs and Families and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario "The Canadian labour movement has been asking for this for a long time. The use of replacement workers during federal strikes and lockouts is officially prohibited. This marks a milestone that levels the playing field and ensures parties work towards getting a fair deal at the bargaining table." – John Zerucelli, Secretary of State (Labour) Quick facts The legislation was developed through extensive consultations with unions and employers and received support in Parliament. From 1999 to 2025, a limited prohibition on replacement workers was in place. Prior to 1999, employers were not prohibited in any way from using replacement workers during a strike or lockout. The ban on replacement workers applies to any strike or lockout ongoing on or after June 20, 2025, and the new maintenance of activities requirements apply to any collective bargaining process for which notice to bargain is given on or after June 20, 2025. Exceptions may apply in situations where there are health and safety threats that cannot be managed by the employer's existing workforce. A union or an employee who believes that an employer is violating this ban can file a complaint with the Canada Industrial Relations Board (CIRB), which will investigate the issue. The CIRB is the independent administrative tribunal that resolves workplace disputes and certain appeals that arise under the Canada Labour Code. SOURCE Employment and Social Development Canada
National Post
31-05-2025
- Business
- National Post
Canada Post asks jobs minister to force union to vote on 'final offers'
Canada Post says it has asked Jobs Minister Patty Hajdu to force a union membership vote on the proposals the Crown corporation put forward earlier this week. Canada Post presented its 'final offers' to the union representing 55,000 workers on Wednesday, with concessions including an end to compulsory overtime and a signing bonus of up to $1,000. But it stuck to a proposal for a 14 per cent cumulative wage hike over four years and part-time staff on weekend shifts — a major sticking point in the talks. Article content Article content Canada Post said in a statement Friday that the parties are at an impasse and it believes the best hope of reaching a new collective agreement is a vote administered by the Canada Industrial Relations Board. Article content Article content The Crown corporation said this week it logged nearly $1.3 billion in operating losses last year, raising further questions about its business model as letter volumes plunge and fears of a second strike in six months persist. Article content Hajdu said in a statement that she and Secretary of State John Zerucelli met with Canada Post and union officials on Friday. Article content 'A strong postal service is vital to a united Canadian economy and to the many Canadians and businesses that depend on it,' she said. Article content 'I urged both parties to continue working together to find an agreement that works for both parties and maintains a strong and lasting postal industry.' Article content Article content The Canadian Union of Postal Workers said it shared its thoughts and concerns about negotiations and Canada Post's recent offers during the meeting. Article content Article content 'We were assured that the minister would continue to play an intermediary role in the bargaining process but will not intervene at this time,' it said in an update. Article content
CTV News
31-05-2025
- Business
- CTV News
Jobs minister urges Canada Post, union to find an agreement
Minister of Jobs and Families Patty Hajdu rises during question period in House of Commons on Parliament Hill in Ottawa on Thursday, May 29, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Sean Kilpatrick Minister of Jobs and Families Patty Hajdu is urging Canada Post and the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) to come to an agreement that works for both parties. Hajdu, with Secretary of State John Zerucelli, met with CUPW and Canada Post earlier today. Canada Post requested the minister's office to direct that a vote take place on the final offer submitted by the company on Wednesday. The minister said her office 'is reviewing this order and will have more to say soon.' 'In the meantime, federal mediators will remain available to continue the work at the negotiating table.' This is a breaking news update. Below is The Canadian Press' previous story… OTTAWA — Canada Post says it has asked Jobs Minister Patty Hajdu to force a union vote on the proposals the Crown corporation presented to members earlier this week. Canada Post presented its 'final offers' to the union representing 55,000 workers on Wednesday, with concessions including an end to compulsory overtime and a signing bonus of up to $1,000. But it stuck to a proposal for a 14 per cent cumulative wage hike over four years and part-time staff on weekend shifts - a major sticking point in the talks. Canada Post says in a statement that the parties are at an impasse and it believes the best hope of reaching a new collective agreement is a vote administered by the Canada Industrial Relations Board. The Crown corporation said this week it logged nearly $1.3 billion in operating losses last year, raising further questions about its business model as letter volumes plunge and fears of a second strike in six months persist. Union representatives met with Hajdu on Friday and say rallies are planned across the country on Saturday.
National Post
30-05-2025
- Business
- National Post
Canada Post asks jobs minster to force union to vote on 'final offers'
OTTAWA — Canada Post says it has asked Jobs Minister Patty Hajdu to force a union membership vote on the proposals the Crown corporation put forward earlier this week. Article content Article content Canada Post presented its 'final offers' to the union representing 55,000 workers on Wednesday, with concessions including an end to compulsory overtime and a signing bonus of up to $1,000. Article content But it stuck to a proposal for a 14-per-cent cumulative wage hike over four years and part-time staff on weekend shifts — a major sticking point in the talks. Article content Article content Canada Post said in a statement Friday that the parties are at an impasse and it believes the best hope of reaching a new collective agreement is a vote administered by the Canada Industrial Relations Board. Article content Article content 'Despite months of conciliation and mediation, the parties remain unable to reach new agreements at the table,' it said. Article content The Crown corporation said this week it logged nearly $1.3 billion in operating losses last year, raising further questions about its business model as letter volumes plunge and fears of a second strike in six months persist. Article content Hajdu said in a statement that she and Secretary of State John Zerucelli met with Canada Post and Union officials on Friday. Article content 'A strong postal service is vital to a united Canadian economy and to the many Canadians and businesses that depend on it,' she said. Article content
CTV News
30-05-2025
- Business
- CTV News
Jobs minister meets with Canada Post union reps as overtime ban persists
A Canada Post worker arrives for work in Montreal on Tuesday, Dec.17, 2024. Union officials are meeting with Jobs Minister Patty Hajdu in Ottawa on Friday. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Christinne Muschi Jobs Minister Patty Hajdu is meeting with postal union officials in Ottawa today amid an overtime ban and declining mail volumes at a beleaguered Canada Post. The Canadian Union of Postal Workers says the afternoon sit-down is going ahead with secretary of state for labour John Zerucelli present as well after on-and-off negotiations resumed Wednesday. Canada Post presented its 'final offers' to the union representing 55,000 workers earlier this week, with concessions including an end to compulsory overtime and a signing bonus of up to $1,000. But it stuck to a proposal for a 14 per cent cumulative wage hike over four years and part-time staff on weekend shifts — a major sticking point in the talks. The Crown corporation said this week it logged nearly $1.3 billion in operating losses last year, raising further questions about its business model as letter volumes plunge and fears of a second strike in six months persist. The union says rallies are planned across the country on Saturday. This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 30, 2025.
