09/08/2026
Should Ottawa create a special mediation office to reduce strikes in federally regulated
industries?
FETCO, which represents employers in sectors such as transportation and communications, is
calling for a new process when collective bargaining breaks down. Under the proposal, a
mediator would receive additional powers to keep parties negotiating. If a dispute remained
unresolved, the mediator could issue a public report identifying the barriers and possible
solutions before the government considers binding arbitration.
Business groups say the proposal could reduce disruption in critical industries. Labour leaders
say it could weaken the right to strike and workers’ bargaining power.
This is a policy proposal, not a current legal change. But it is part of Ottawa’s review of the
Canada Labour Code, so federally regulated employers, employees and unions should be
paying attention.
Read the article: https://www.bnnbloomberg.ca/business/politics/2026/09/07/employer-group-
pushes-for-changes-to-the-canada-labour-code/
Contact Rudner Law for practical employment and labour-law advice.