Manitoba workers deserve a fair chance to fight for their rights

Let’s finish the job and get anti-scab done right!

Manitoba’s NDP government has introduced legislation that will provide important new protection against some forms of scab labour during a strike or lockout. The legislation also establishes a new framework that applies to both the public and private sector to identify ‘essential services’ that bargaining unit members will be required to continue providing in the event of a labour dispute. These measures are included in Bill 37, the government’s budget bill, which is expected to pass into law in the fall.

Securing any form of protection against scab labour is an important Manitoba first, and a win for workers and unions in our province. Workers shouldn’t have to worry about being replaced when they’re standing up for their rights at work. Employers shouldn’t get to carry on like ‘business as usual’ when workers are on the picket line and going without a pay cheque – both sides should have an incentive to reach a fair deal. Using scab labour poisons worker-employer relations and makes labour disputes drag on longer, which is bad for everyone. But Bill 37 doesn’t provide full anti-scab protection and falls well short of meeting the new standard set by unanimously supported federal anti-scab legislation.

The MFL has developed a Fact Sheet and Poster as part of our awareness campaign about Manitoba’s anti-scab legislation. Please download them to learn more about Bill 37.