Industry groups support Building Canada Strong Act to resolve labour disputes

The National Airlines Council of Canada (NACC) and Federally Regulated Employers – Transportation and Communications (FETCO) have expressed support for the proposed Building Canada Strong Act, which aims to amend the Canada Labour Code to better manage labour disputes in critical sectors.

The NACC emphasized that labour stability is vital for the airline industry, which connects remote communities and supports national trade and tourism. The association welcomed the introduction of a special mediator framework and the inclusion of a national interest consideration to help resolve disputes that could harm the public or the economy.

FETCO also acknowledged the positive direction of the legislation, noting that the introduction of a Special Mediator and mandatory early bargaining could encourage more productive negotiations. However, FETCO cautioned that in some cases, the government may still need the ability to take pre-emptive action to safeguard supply chains and national interests before work stoppages cause significant economic and social damage.