City's MPs back move to kill bill seen as anti-union

Nickel Belt MP Marc Serré and Sudbury MP Paul Lefebvre say they are proud to be a part of a Liberal government that will repeal Bill C-377 and C-525.

Serré and Lefebvre believe that Bill C-377 creates unnecessary, extra red tape for unions and could put unions at a disadvantage during collective bargaining.

They also believe that Bill C-525 - a law that changed how unions can certify and decertify - makes it more difficult for employees to unionize and easier for a bargaining agent to be certified. Therefore, they trust the government’s plan to ensure Canada’s labour laws best serve employees and employers.

Serré rose in the House of Commons on Feb. 26 to support the many men and women of Nickel Belt and Greater Sudbury who belong to organized labour union.

“As a past member of unions, I understand how unions strengthen communities. They have helped create safer work places, better working conditions, and helped recognize the need for workplace Health & Safety committees,” said Serré.

“I look forward to meeting every organized labour union in Nickel Belt and Greater Sudbury to hear, listen, and understand their issues because I recognize the important role that unions play in protecting the rights of Canadian workers and in helping the middle class grow and prosper.”

Lefebvre said he is proud the Liberal government has followed through in its promise to repeal these bills.

“These anti-labour bills were punitive and regressive, and our promise is to foster a new relationship with organized labour after 10 acrimonious years under the Conservatives. These bills create unnecessary red tape and financial burdens to unions, working Canadians and even the government of Canada,” said Lefebvre.

“I’m proud our government has followed through on its promise to repeal this legislation, and I look forward to working with our partners in the labour movement to build strong and sustainable communities.”

About Bill C-377 and C-525

Bill C-525 removed automatic certification for workers in federally regulated sectors once more than 50 per cent of employees signed a union card, making it more difficult for workers to organize and too easy to decertify.

Bill C-377 is a set of public reporting rules on salaries, any expenses over $5,000, and requires unions to estimate how much they spend on political activities. Unions would also be required to publish the names and addresses of anyone whose goods or services they purchased.