FEDERAL NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh on Tuesday, in response to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s Liberal government overriding union rights to force binding arbitration on workers at Vancouver and Montreal ports, said: “Justin Trudeau is again making it clear to the ports CEOs and all big corporations—being a bad boss pays off. The Liberal government will always cave to corporate greed, and always step in to make sure the unions have no power.”
He added: “Canadians will pay for Trudeau’s anti-worker attack. Back-to-work orders suppress wages for all Canadians, so billionaires get richer and the rest of Canadians fall further behind. And especially in the case of the ports negotiations, Trudeau’s order is putting good Canadian jobs at risk.
“More than ever, Canada needs more good, unionized, mortgage-paying jobs, not fewer.”
Singh said: “Unlike the Conservatives and [their leader] Pierre Poilievre, who hides when workers are in a fight, the NDP will always stand shoulder-to-shoulder with working people and unions. Poilievre undermined workers and unions when he voted for back-to-work legislation eight times.”
He stressed: “We believe the only place to get a fair deal is at the bargaining table.”
MEANWHILE, Bea Bruske, President of the Canadian Labour Congress, said in a statement: “Today’s decision by Labour Minister Steven MacKinnon to end the lockouts at the ports in B.C., Montreal, and Quebec City and impose binding arbitration is a troubling step that undermines the fundamental rights of workers and underscores the growing economic unfairness in this country.
“Workers are being left behind while corporations rake in record profits; this is not fair.
“Too many Canadians are struggling to make ends meet. This is not just about port workers; it’s about an economic system where the gap between the wealthy and working people continues to grow. Workers are simply fighting for fair wages, job security, and safe workplaces—basic rights that should never be up for debate.
“No one takes the decision to strike or endure a lockout lightly. Workers are left with no choice when employers refuse to engage in fair negotiations, especially when those same employers have enjoyed windfall profits during the pandemic.
“Despite their record-breaking profits during the pandemic, port employers have refused to engage in good-faith negotiations, pushing workers to the brink. Now, by resorting to binding arbitration under section 107, the government is sending a dangerous message: employers can bypass meaningful negotiations, lock out their workers, and wait for political intervention to secure a more favourable deal.
“Imposing binding arbitration or back-to-work legislation undermines workers’ rights to collective bargaining, weakening their ability to fight for fair wages and safe workplaces. Political interference tips the scales toward employers and sets a dangerous precedent. Canada’s unions believe lasting solutions come from fair negotiations, not government-imposed deals. The government must let collective bargaining take its course to protect the rights of all workers.
“Port workers are simply asking for what they deserve—fair wages, job security, and safe working conditions. These demands are not unreasonable, particularly when employers have reaped extraordinary financial gains in recent years.
“Canada’s unions stand united in calling on the government to respect the Canada Labour Code and allow for a fair collective bargaining process that respects workers and ensures they receive their fair share in an era of record corporate profits.
“Workers deserve a fair deal, and the only way to achieve lasting stability is through mutual respect and good-faith negotiations.
“Workers are not asking for the moon—they’re asking for their fair share in an era of extraordinary corporate wealth. The government must decide: will it stand with working people, or will it continue to tip the scales in favour of those who already have more than enough?”