On Sunday, August 18, the Canadian Labour Congress (CLC) Executive Committee passed the following resolution in support of the CUPE Flight Attendants strike:
Canada’s unions stand in support with CUPE in their principled stand to defy the Minister’s order under section 107 of the Canada Labour Code to end their legal strike. The CLC shall work with CUPE and all affiliates to fight back in opposition to the government’s unconstitutional intrusion on the rights of workers and against the existential threat posed to Canadian workers by the use of s. 107 or similar provisions of the Canada Labour Code, including calling on the federal government to:
Immediately withdraw the order under s.107 to end the legal strike by the Air Canada Component of CUPE, sending the parties to binding arbitration;
Commit to immediately cease the use of s.107 to end or prevent a legal strike in any labour dispute in the federal jurisdiction; and
Agree to amend the Canada Labour Code to remove s. 107 as the first order of business when Parliament resumes.
If the government refuses to rescind the s. 107 order, the CLC shall:
Promote and coordinate a fight back campaign including the federations of labour and local labour councils, reminding politicians and Canadians more broadly what these workers are fighting for;
Promote and coordinate financial contributions from affiliates and others to assist with the legal and other costs related to the Air Canada Component of CUPE’s decision to defy the Minister’s order;
Disseminate information on demonstrations and other actions with affiliates quickly to ensure maximum impact; and
Work with CUPE and all affiliates to ensure that if the government takes legal action against these workers, the labour movement will respond swiftly and stand united in unwavering solidarity.
