The Manitoba Teachers’ Society (MTS) strongly supports Bill C-247, introduced by Winnipeg Centre MP Leah Gazan, which proposes the repeal of Section 107 of the Canada Labour Code.

Section 107 has been repeatedly used by the federal government to undermine workers’ rights to free and fair collective bargaining. The provision gives the Minister of Labour sweeping authority to “do such things as to the Minister seem likely to maintain or secure industrial peace,” including the power to refer disputes to the Canada Industrial Relations Board or direct the Board to act, often to end legal strikes.

Since June 2024 alone, Section 107 has been invoked eight times to interfere with bargaining or force workers back to the job — including postal workers, flight attendants, and railway workers. Each time, this occurred without full Parliamentary debate or vote, further undermining democratic principles and weakening the labour movement.

MTS represents more than 17,000 public school educators and is committed to fairness, equity, and democracy in the workplace. We believe the right to strike and to collectively bargain is fundamental to a healthy labour environment. It is a constitutionally protected right. These rights must not be suspended for political convenience.

For too long, Section 107 has served as a tool to silence workers and unions, stripping them of their most effective means to fight for fair wages, safe working conditions, and respect on the job.

We commend MP Leah Gazan and NDP Labour Critic Don Davies for their leadership and commitment to workers’ rights. The introduction of Bill C-247 is an essential step toward restoring fairness and balance in Canada’s labour laws.

The Manitoba Teachers’ Society stands in solidarity with the Canadian Labour Congress and all unions calling for an end to this undemocratic practice. We urge all Members of Parliament to support Bill C-247.

It’s time to repeal Section 107. The rights of workers must be respected for the benefit of all Canadians.