Issue 64 – 25, August 17th, 2025
The Misuse of Section 107 of the Canada Labour Code
Section 107 is part of the Canada Labour Code. It gives the Labour Minister the power to step into a labor dispute, which is a disagreement between workers and employers. The law says the minister can ask the Canada Labour Board to do what they think is needed. This means the minister can order workers to stop a strike or to go back to work, even if the workers want to keep protesting.
But the law is being used unfairly. It is hurting workers’ rights and causing unfair situations.
Yesterday, the Federal Jobs Minister Patty Hajdu used Section 107, against CUPE Flight Attendants and their strike, as it was just beginning with Air Canada.
She told the Canada Industrial Relations Board (CIRB) to intervene and end the strike. In a press conference, she said, “I have exercised my authority under Section 107 to order the parties to resume their work.” She also said, “Canadians have already sacrificed a lot in this uncertain economy, and this labor disruption is adding to their worries and financial burdens.”
CUPE, the union representing the workers, responded quickly. They said that the order to end the strike sets “a terrible precedent.” Wesley Lesosky, CUPE’s President representing Air Canada workers, said, “The Liberals are violating our Charter rights to take job action. They are giving Air Canada what it wants.
CUPE also pointed out that the chair of the CIRB, Maryse Tremblay, used to work as a lawyer for Air Canada. The union asked her to step back from this case because of her previous relationship with the airline. But she did not. CUPE said this showed a close link between Air Canada and the government, which might look like collusion or unfair influence.
This year, Section 107 has been used four times to end work stoppages. Last August, it was used to force railway workers back to work after they had gone on strike or been locked out. The government ordered workers at companies like Canadian National Railway (CN) and Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC) to return to work and set up arbitration to settle their disputes.
In December, just before the busy holiday season, the government used Section 107 to end a strike by Canada Post workers. In November, it was used to stop strikes and lockouts at the busy ports of Vancouver, Montreal, and Quebec. These ports are very important because they handle most of Canada’s goods. The government said ending these strikes was necessary to keep the economy moving.
Bea Bruske, President of the Canadian Labour Congress, said this is a problem. She explained that forcing workers back to work shows the government is too eager to interfere in workers’ rights. She said, “Undermining collective bargaining undermines democracy itself.” This means workers should be able to negotiate wages and working conditions without the government stopping them.
Jan Simpson, President of the Canadian Union of Postal Workers, added that the government’s actions take away the right to strike. She said workers want to protest and show they are unhappy with their jobs, but the government stops them from doing that.
Unions and labour leaders are challenging these actions in court and with the Canada Industrial Relations Board. They argue that Section 107 is being used unfairly and goes against the Canadian Constitution, which protects workers’ rights to strike.
A law expert, Professor Eric Tucker, said that using Section 107 so often could be unconstitutional. He explained that the law was not meant to be used so many times to end strikes. Doing so could hurt democracy and workers’ rights.
The right to strike is protected by Canada’s Constitution. It helps workers and employers negotiate fair wages and good working conditions. When the government uses Section 107 too often, it can make workers feel like they have no real power to stand up for themselves.
The Congress of Union Retirees condemns the actions by the Minister and supports the legal challenge against Section 107. We believe the law is being misused and that it violates workers’ constitutional rights. We want the courts to declare that using Section 107 in this way is unconstitutional and to protect workers’ rights to protest and strike.
Read more – CUPE: Liberals reward Air Canada's refusal to bargain fairly by crushing flight attendants' Charter rights
Read more - Could federal legislation have eased a key sticking point in the Air Canada dispute? | CBC News
How Retirees Can Stay Living in Their Own Homes
Many seniors want to stay in their own homes and communities for as long as they can. This is called "aging in place." Living at home can help older adults feel comfortable, stay connected with friends and family, and keep their independence.
Understanding what helps union retirees and seniors stay at home can help create better programs and policies. It can also make sure help is available for those who need it most. Supporting aging in place can keep seniors safe, healthy, and happy in their own homes longer.
There are four main types of help that can make it easier for seniors to live at home:
1. Home Adaptations These are changes made to the home to make it safer and easier to use. For example, installing grab bars in the bathroom, adding handrails on stairs, or putting in ramps for wheelchairs.
2. Informal Care Help from family, friends, or neighbors. This can include assistance with daily activities like cooking, cleaning, or transportation.
3. Home Care Services Paid help from nurses or caregivers who come to the house to provide medical care or help with personal needs like bathing and dressing.
4. Community Support Services Programs organized by organizations that offer help such as friendly visits, transportation, or meal delivery.
Who Uses These Supports?
People who have health problems, impairments, or who don’t drive are more likely to use these supports. Women, older seniors (over 80), and those living alone also tend to use more services. Sometimes, people from racial or cultural groups face barriers and may not get as much help.
What Did the Study Find?
About 25% of people aged 65-79 use home adaptations. For those over 80, it’s about 52%. - Other supports, like home care or informal help, are used less often. - Many seniors (about 65%) aged 65-79 and nearly 32% of those over 80 don’t use any of these supports. They might not need help yet, or they might not have access or money for services. Understanding what helps seniors stay at home can help create better programs and policies. It can also make sure help is available for those who need it most. Supporting aging in place can keep seniors safe, healthy, and happy in their own homes longer.
Key Things to Focus On
- Making homes safer with modifications like grab bars and ramps.
- Providing help from family and friends.
- Offering affordable home care and community programs.
- Ensuring that everyone, no matter their background or income, can access support.
Most older adults want to stay in their own homes, and many supports can help them do that. Making sure these supports are available and accessible is important for healthy aging and quality of life.
Celebrating Labour Day
Labour Day in Canada is celebrated on the first Monday in September. It is a special day to honour workers and their contributions to the country. But how did Labour Day start, and why do we celebrate it today? Let’s find out!
Long ago, in the late 1800s, workers worked very long hours—sometimes up to twelve hours a day! They wanted shorter workdays and better working conditions. One big movement called the Nine-Hour Movement started in 1872. Its goal was to make the workday shorter, from twelve hours to nine hours.
In Toronto, a group of workers called the Toronto Typographical Union organized a strike on April 15, 1872. They protested for better working conditions. Thousands of people came to support them at Queen’s Park in Toronto. Even though unions were illegal at that time, many workers showed their support. Some leaders of the strike were arrested, which made many people upset and angry.
Because of the strike and protests, the Canadian government decided to help workers. In July 1872, they passed a law called the Trade Unions Act. This law made it legal for workers to join unions and fight for their rights. After this, groups of workers across Canada started holding parades and celebrations to show pride in their work.
The very first official Labour Day was celebrated in Toronto in 1872. Other cities like Ottawa, Hamilton, and Montreal also held celebrations.
Many years of work by labor organizations led to a big decision. On July 23, 1894, the Canadian government officially made Labour Day a holiday. Prime Minister John Thompson announced this to recognize how important workers are to society. It was a way to thank workers for what they do every day.
Today, Labour Day is a holiday that many Canadians enjoy. People often have parades, picnics, and spend time with fellow union members, family and friends. Labour Day still reminds us of the struggles workers faced and how important their rights are. It is a day to remember the hard work of many people who helped improve working conditions for everyone.
Labour Day started as a movement for workers’ rights and better conditions. It shows how important it is to treat workers fairly and to recognize their efforts. That is why we celebrate Labour Day every year in Canada!