Labour law changes are the ‘sunlight’ collective bargaining needs: minister

CANADA Labour law changes are the ‘sunlight’ collective bargaining needs: minister By Craig Lord The Canadian Press Posted September 23, 2026 8:24 am 1 min read The federal government is proposing changes to Canada's labour laws, including a new “national interest” test for when a strike can be ended. University of Manitoba Labour Studies professor Adam King breaks down what the changes could mean for future contract negotiations. LEAVE A COMMENT SHARE THIS ITEM ON FACEBOOK SHARE THIS ITEM ON X SEND THIS PAGE TO SOMEONE VIA EMAIL SEE MORE SHARING OPTIONS DESCREASE ARTICLE FONT SIZE INCREASE ARTICLE FONT SIZE Jobs Minister Patty Hajdu says the Liberals’ proposed changes to the Canada Labour Code would bring some much-needed “sunlight” to collective bargaining in federally regulated sectors. Hajdu tells The Canadian Press that one of the most consequential parts of the sweeping economic legislation tabled Monday looks to give the public a better sense of what’s happening when negotiations turn sour. Jobs Minister Patty Hajdu says one of the most consequential proposed changes to the Canada Labour Code in the government’s new legislation is a special mediator role that will file a public report on sticking points in acrimonious negotiations. Get daily Montreal news Get daily Montreal news delivered to your inbox so you'll never miss the day's top stories. SIGN UP FOR DAILY MONTREAL NEWSLETTER GET STARTED BY PROVIDING YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS, YOU HAVE READ AND AGREE TO GLOBAL NEWS' TERMS AND CONDITIONS AND PRIVACY POLICY. That “sunlight” will help parties focus on getting a deal at the table, she says. 2:22 Liberals to propose major labour code changes Stick to the Facts Add Global News as a Preferred Source on Google to see more of our stories in your search results. MORE ON CANADA MORE VIDEOS Workforce challenges persist for Ontario’s manufacturing sector: industry group Number of Ontario LTC homes requiring ‘exceptional circumstance’ bail outs growing Alberta craft whisky lands on Costco shelves as trade war looms Belleville gunman spouted COVID-19 conspiracies while in army, say sources The Liberals are proposing to install a special mediator who would document both sides’ arguments and publish a report to identify where the sticking points are in a labour dispute before talks break down. STORY CONTINUES BELOW ADVERTISEMENT Hajdu says there are times in negotiations when employers or unions refuse to bargain in good faith and instead wait for…