OTTAWA TABLES BACK-TO-WORK BILL IN EFFORT TO END PORT OF MONTREAL WORKERS STRIKE
Apr 27, 2021
By Bob Komsic
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The Trudeau government has tabled legislation that, if passed, would see the Port of Montreal’s 1,150 dock workers end a strike that started Monday at one of Canada’s busiest ports that threatens the supply chains of many businesses.
The bill would require them to return to work as soon as the employer asks and extend their previous agreement until a new one’s negotiated.
The legislation would also prevent any strikes or lockouts until a new deal’s signed, and impose a mediator-arbitrator if talks fail.
The union says this kills the employer’s incentive to reach a deal.
Meanwhile, it could take some time for the bill to pass.
The NDP and Bloc Quebecois have said they will oppose it.
The Tories say they’ll decide after reading the fine print.