The Conseil du Patronat du Québec fears “damaging effects” of a federal government bill aimed at banning substitute workers when a federal company goes on strike.
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For Karl Blackburn, President and CEO of the Conseil du Patronat du Québec (CPQ), the implications of such a bill are “anything but abstract”.
“Imagine a cessation of activities in the transport sector, where it is no longer possible to obtain spare parts for emergency vehicles. Ambulances, police cars and fire engines would no longer be functional to ensure our safety and protect our citizens,” he said in a statement Thursday.
“This is just one example of a worst-case scenario among many that could materialize with the federal government’s deliberations,” he added.
In his view, this law could also “negatively” affect foreign investment and job creation.
According to the CPQ, some experts have also noted that the provisions banning the use of stand-ins have had the overall effect of increasing the likelihood of a strike from 15% to 27% and lengthening its duration.
“Obviously passing a bill would do more harm than good to a problem that doesn’t exist. Caution is advised,” concluded the President.