Workers call on MPs to support NDP bill to crack down on fake unions

OTTAWA — Fake employer-dominated unions drive down wages, weaken working conditions, and leave workers without a real voice on the job. Today, workers gathered on Parliament Hill to call on MPs from all parties to support NDP House Leader Heather McPherson's bill, which would finally give them the tools to fight back against these fake unions.

As debate begins in the House of Commons today, McPherson was joined by Siobhán Vipond, Executive Vice-President of the Canadian Labour Congress, and workers from across the country who say Parliament can no longer ignore the existence of representation that is neither democratic nor independent.

"Real unions answer to workers. Fake unions don't," said McPherson. "When fake unions sell out their own members, they drive down wages and weaken working conditions for everyone. Workers have been calling for these protections for years. Parliament needs to listen."

Federal law recognizes that employer-dominated unions are a problem and aims to prevent them, but once a union is certified, workers have no practical way to fight back against employer domination. McPherson’s legislation (Bill C-259) gives workers a clear way to raise concerns about employer influence with the Canada Industrial Relations Board (CIRB), requires organizations to demonstrate their independence when those concerns are raised, and gives the CIRB the power to enforce it.

“Strong unions are built by workers, for workers. They are one of the most powerful tools people have to make their voices heard, build collective power, and hold those in power accountable,” said Canadian Labour Congress Executive Vice-President Siobhán Vipond. ”This bill protects that fundamental principle recognized around the world: workers deserve representation that answers to them, not the employer.”

The press conference also included the story of Sam Fitzpatrick. Fitzpatrick was a 24-year-old worker in who was killed on the job. When Fitzpatrick's death was reviewed by the British Columbia Workers' Compensation Appeal Tribunal (WCAT), his union, CLAC, sided with the employer and argued against imposing the highest available penalty. His case remains a powerful reminder of what can happen when organizations representing workers don’t have their backs.

Despite repeated labour board findings involving employer interference in worker representation, workers still lack a dedicated process to challenge employer-dominated unions.

"Workers deserve better," said McPherson. "Liberals and Conservatives both say they support workers. Bill C-259 is their chance to prove it."

Federal labour law covers approximately one million workers in transportation, telecommunications, broadcasting, banking, grain handling, longshoring, and federally regulated construction.