1. News & Updates
  2. McPherson tables bill to protect workers from employer-dominated unions

McPherson tables bill to protect workers from employer-dominated unions

OTTAWA - Today, Heather McPherson, MP for Edmonton Strathcona and candidate for leader of Canada's NDP, tabled legislation to protect workers' fundamental right to be represented by a union that is democratic and independent.

The bill, which was tabled today and will be up for debate and vote later this spring, ensures that every worker in federally regulated industries has a union that answers only to them, not their employer.

"Real labour unions are democratic and accountable to their members. Only their members," said McPherson. "Company unions are organizations that claim to represent workers while being dominated or influenced by employers. They should be banned."

If passed into law, this bill would give workers the power to have the Canadian Industrial Relations Board investigate a company union and have it decertified. The bill also establishes penalties of up to $100,000 for employers who interfere.

"Workers deserve to know that the people negotiating on their behalf answer to them. Only them," said McPherson.

The CLAC is the largest organisation in Canada that is generally referred to as a company union. The CLAC has faced serious concerns from labour boards across Canada. In September 2024, the Manitoba Labour Board found that an employer working with CLAC broke labour laws by firing a worker organizing with a different union. In 2002, the Nova Scotia Construction Industry Panel found CLAC did not meet the definition of a trade union and denied certification. The International Trade Union Confederation suspended CLAC in 2011 for undermining labour conditions.

Despite this, the Liberal government gave CLAC $4.91 million in 2025.

"Workers represented by the CLAC have told me they feel powerless and not represented. This legislation gives them that power back," said McPherson. "If the Liberals are serious about standing up for workers, they can prove it by supporting this legislation."

Latest posts

Statement on Today's Attack on Iran by the United States and Israel

Today’s attack on Iran by the United States and Israel is a serious violation of international law.

The repressive Iranian regime is a dictatorship that murders and brutalizes the Iranian people. But an illegal and unjustified war driven by Trump and Netanyahu will bring more civilian deaths and regional chaos.

Already, dozens of Iranian schoolgirls were killed in a horrific attack on a school. This is outrageous.

My thoughts are with people throughout the region who are terrified, and whose lives and futures should not be decided by warmongers who have no regard for human life.

My heart is also with Iranian Canadians and everyone terrified for the safety of their family and friends in the region.

Canada must unequivocally condemn these grave breaches of international law.

Statement on Iran

MP and candidate for Leader of Canada’s NDP, Heather McPherson made the following statement on Iran

I strongly condemn the horrific attacks on brave Iranian people, and I am deeply concerned for the well-being of thousands of Iranian protesters, including the loved ones of many Canadians. 

I commend the bravery of Iranians protesting the regime, and I stand in solidarity with the Iranian people, who have suffered under a brutal regime for decades. They deserve to live in freedom. Iranian people, like all people, deserve a future that is democratic and free. 

For years, I have urged the Government of Canada to do more to support the human rights of the Iranian people.

More — News & Updates

Take action

Meet Heather
Sign up to Volunteer
Make a Donation

Connect with Heather

Make a donation

Email: