‘Anti-Scab’ Law Could Wreak Havoc on Telecom Networks During Strikes, Industry Warns

The industry representing Canadian telecommunications carriers and manufacturers is warning that new “anti-scab” legislation could leave Canadians in the dark if a network goes down during a labour stoppage. Bill C-58, which received royal assent last month, bans federally regulated workplaces from bringing in replacement workers during a legal strike. It also amends the Canada Labour Code to mandate that certain agreements are signed between employers, unions and bargaining unit employees when a strike or lockout takes place. Known as “maintenance of activities” pacts, they require affected workers to maintain services necessary to prevent an “immediate and serious danger to the safety or health of the public.”...