Bill C-259: The Fair Representation Act

REAL UNIONS ANSWER TO WORKERS. FAKE UNIONS DON'T.

Some unions don’t answer to workers. They answer to the employer.
Bill C-259 - The Fair Representation Act gives workers their power back.

Bill C-259 gives workers in federally regulated sectors a real way to challenge fake employer-dominated unions and protect democratic and independent union representation.

What’s at stake

Federal law already recognizes that employer-dominated unions should not exist. But once certified, workers are left with no practical, dedicated process to challenge that situation.

That gap matters. When union leadership is not accountable to its members, workers lose their power. Wages fall behind, working conditions weaken, and entire sectors are affected.

What this bill does

The Fair Representation Act:

• Creates a clear process for workers to act when they believe their union is not independent
• Allows workers to bring concerns to the Canada Industrial Relations Board
• Requires unions to demonstrate independence when challenged
• Gives the Board the authority to investigate and enforce findings
• Provides remedies where employer domination is found

What workers get

• A clear way to challenge employer influence
• Stronger accountability in union representation
• Protection for workers from being locked into undemocratic structures
• Stronger bargaining power across entire sectors

What real unions say

"Canada's Building Trades Unions strongly support Bill C-259. Representation matters and Canada’s unionized skilled tradespeople deserve unions that promote the wellbeing of workers, not employers.”
- Sean Strickland, Executive Director of Canada’s Building Trades Unions

"Every worker deserves access to real representation, democratic union governance, and the ability to bargain collectively without employer influence. We commend Heather McPherson for introducing this legislation and for standing up for the rights of working Canadians."
-Michael A. Reinhart, Business Manager, IBEW Local 424

"We believe in the democratic process and fair union representation as elected by its members. So called 'company unions' erode the protections we fight for and give a black eye to the labour movement in Canada. Bill C-259 is a big step forward in protecting the independence of collective bargaining."
-Paul Juneau, Organizer for SMART Local 47

Why this matters now

In recent years, multiple cases have raised serious concerns about employer influence in union representation. In some cases, workers have voted to leave employer-aligned unions entirely, seeking independent representation elsewhere.

At the same time, public funding has continued to flow into training and labour-related initiatives supporting these employer-influenced organizations that have faced serious questions about independence and accountability.

Workers deserve clarity about who represents them and whose interests are being served.

Have your say - two ways

1. Add your name to support Bill C-259

2. Tell your Member of Parliament to support Bill C-259.

Sample email

Tips for writing to your MP:

• Be direct - Ask your MP to vote for Bill C-259, The Fair Representation Act, in the first or second sentence.
• Ask your MP to reply to your email or letter and indicate how they will vote on Bill C-259.
• Include your full name, residential (voting) address, and phone number.

Find your MP and contact information here: Who is my MP?

Watch: CPAC - NDP MPs Discuss Labour Protections Against Employer-Dominated Unions

Read: Rabble.CA - Curb that Yellow Dog! Private Members Bill targets employer-collusive unions