The Definition of “work” and the use of section 107 in the Canada Labour Code

As many of you may know, Patty Hajdu, Minister of Jobs and Families, commenced a Probe into the allegations of unpaid work. See her statement below:

“Nobody should work for free in this country. The allegations of unpaid work in the airline industry are deeply concerning—we will get to the bottom of this. We thank the unions and employer representatives that are taking part in this important work; together we are moving toward a fairer Canada.”

– The Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Jobs and Families and Minister Responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario

Your Component, and CUPE have responded with the following submission: CLICK HERE. Yesterday, your Component President Wesley Lesosky, spoke to the Standing Committee on Human Resources, Skills and Social Development and the status of Persons with Disabilities, virtually, at the House of Commons in relation to this probe.

The study we were requested to give testimony on was The definition of “work” and the use of section 107 in the Canada Labour Code.

You can view the whole meeting here: ParlVu. As well, the portions where Wesley chimes in can be found here:
– Clip 1
– Clip 2
– Clip 3

There is discussion on where section 107 leaves labour relations, how the process is flawed when the employer can utilize the government to intervene when they choose to stop bargaining and the union chooses to exercise its fundamental right to strike when the employer starts to stall.  It was also this section that removed your voice from voting on the full terms and conditions of this contract.

We will join the fight to remove section 107 from the books, so that free and collective bargaining can once again be achieved, and you can have your say on your working conditions.

There is also discussion on unpaid work, your Component’s ask, and what we need to truly be compensated in our roles.

This is all part of the process for the Minister to reach a determination. Once the decision is released, we will share it and advise on the next steps.

Govern yourselves accordingly, in solidarity,