Employers lobby Ottawa to restrict strikes in federally regulated industries

Friday, May 22, 2026

Major Canadian employers are pressing the federal government to toughen strike regulations for workers in federally regulated sectors, citing the damaging impact of recent work stoppages on the country's trade reliability. The government is currently consulting with unions and employers on potential changes to the Canada Labour Code, which may introduce new mediation measures and limit strike actions during negotiations.

Major employers in Canada are urging the federal government to introduce legislative changes that would make it more difficult for workers in federally regulated industries to engage in strikes. They contend that recurring work stoppages in key sectors such as ports, airlines, and railways have undermined Canada’s reputation as a reliable trading partner.

Over the past month, representatives from companies including Canadian National Railway Co. and industry groups like the Railway Association of Canada have met with officials from Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC). These meetings form part of a broader tripartite consultation involving the federal government, unions, and employers to evaluate and potentially revise sections of the Canada Labour Code related to strikes and lockouts.

In April, ESDC released a consultation document outlining proposed changes designed to modernize the collective bargaining framework. Among the suggestions under consideration are the appointment of special mediators to facilitate negotiations and the temporary suspension of strike and lockout rights while mediation is underway. Stakeholders were invited to submit feedback on the proposals by May 25.

The calls for reform have intensified following a wave of strikes throughout 2024 and into 2025, particularly within the transportation sector, which prompted government interventions to restore labour peace. Employers argue that these industrial actions have inflicted long-term damage on Canada’s trading relationships and economic stability.

Unions participating in the consultations have expressed concerns about any measures perceived as restricting workers’ rights to strike. They emphasize the importance of maintaining a balanced collective bargaining process that safeguards both workers’ interests and economic continuity.

The federal government’s ongoing consultations seek to balance competing interests as it reevaluates the labour code to address the challenges posed by recent industrial disruptions. The outcome of this process could lead to significant amendments affecting how labour disputes are managed in federally regulated industries.