The Harper government has tabled a bill that could force striking Air Canada workers back to work as early as next week.
Labour Minister Lisa Raitt introduced the back-to-work legislation in the House of Commons Thursday morning, which would likely pass by the middle of next week if the two sides cannot reach a deal. She claims the economy is too weak to weather a long strike.
The Liberals and the NDP oppose the move, as does Canadian Auto Workers president Ken Lawenza, who says he’d prefer to negotiate a settlement for his 3,800 members before Ottawa jumps in.
"For us we really want to get a deal," Lewenza said. "There's one thing about legislation. It doesn't improve the workplace conditions or the morale. Our members will not be happy with being legislated back to work, they'll be happy with a bargained settlement."
Air Canada and the CAW disagree on the issue of employee pensions. The airline has proposed a defined contribution pension plan for new hires which leaves retirees’ income dependent on the success of the fund’s investments.
Travellers have faced minor delays since 3,800 customer service agents and sales staff walked off the job Tuesday.
Raitt also plans to introduce back-to-work legislation for locked-out Canada Post workers, who had been on a rotating strike since June 2.
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