Canada is experiencing a surge in labor strikes, with unions warning of more actions to come amidst tariffs and the ongoing affordability crisis impacting workers. Some labor leaders are gearing up for potential confrontations with the federal government, which has intervened multiple times to end strikes. Alisha Kang, president of the Union of National Employees, emphasized the need for real action rather than mere rhetoric.
The tension peaked recently when Air Canada’s flight attendants challenged Ottawa’s back-to-work order, risking fines and imprisonment. However, a resolution was quickly reached the following day. The Prime Minister’s Office, in a statement on Labor Day, emphasized collaboration with unions to strengthen Canada.
Despite Prime Minister Mark Carney’s campaign promises to support Canadian jobs, some labor representatives feel let down by his actions in office. Kiavash Najafi, an executive director at the Canadian Labour Congress, highlighted the increasing willingness of workers to support strike mandates, attributing this to job losses from trade conflicts and the rising cost of living.
Statistics Canada reports a significant uptick in labor disputes not seen in decades, with 6.6 million days lost due to strikes in 2023, the highest level since 1986. The federal government has faced challenges due to the surge in strikes, often using Section 107 of the Canada Labour Code to intervene and maintain industrial peace, leading to legal battles with unions.
The recent rise in labor mobilization is attributed to declining job quality and security, exacerbated by the widening wage-cost gap and a post-pandemic tight labor market. This momentum has not abated despite the economic impact of trade wars, as evidenced by the defiance of back-to-work orders by Air Canada flight attendants.
Jobs Minister Patty Hajdu defended the government’s quick intervention in the Air Canada strike, citing the need to prevent further economic harm. She highlighted the government’s efforts to support workers through legislative changes and sector-specific benefits. With the decline of the NDP, traditionally seen as the labor voice in Parliament, unions face challenges in influencing labor policies under the current government.
Unions are now adapting to the evolving political landscape, aiming to collaborate with the government while advocating for workers’ rights amid growing labor unrest.