Small businesses and agriculture at odds with anti-replacement worker bill

The Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) has expressed significant concern over proposed legislation that would ban the hiring of replacement workers in the event of a strike or lockout in federally regulated sectors. Most who work in agriculture would likely agree. 

The warning comes amidst fears that such a move could exacerbate the duration and frequency of work stoppages, with serious repercussions for small businesses that rely on smooth supply chain operations. 

According to CFIB Vice-President Jasmin Guenette, the federal government's push for the bill disregards the negative experiences of provinces like British Columbia and Quebec. These regions have seen an uptick in strikes due to similar laws, adversely affecting small businesses. Historically, attempts to pass such legislation have been rejected due to the disproportionate leverage they grant to large unions, potentially destabilizing the economy for political gain. 

The recent strikes at the Ports in British Columbia and the St Lawrence seaway put enormous strains on the agriculture industry. 

A survey highlights the small business community's stance on the issue: 73% are against the ban, while 92% advocate for federally regulated workplace employees, crucial to the supply chain, to be recognized as essential service providers with binding arbitration mechanisms in place. 

The legislation's critics argue that it not only threatens the vitality of small businesses but also overlooks the essential nature of services such as ports, rail, air, and trucking, which are the lifeline for timely and efficient commerce across and beyond Canada. 

CFIB's Director of National Affairs, Christina Santini, emphasizes that small businesses suffer collateral damage during strikes. With operations and financial stability heavily dependent on consistent supply chain functionality, any disruption becomes a cause for concern. The organization calls for a rejection of the bill, suggesting that federally regulated services be deemed essential with a mandatory arbitration process to mitigate disputes swiftly and fairly.