Press release
The QFL welcomes the adoption of federal anti-scab legislation
19 June 2025
Montreal, June 19, 2025 – The Quebec Federation of Labour (QFL) celebrates the enactment, this Friday, June 20, of new federal legislation banning the use of replacement workers (commonly referred to as “scabs”) during labour disputes. This marks a historic moment for workers covered by the Canada Labour Code.
“This is a demand we’ve been making for decades. This breakthrough is the result of a long union struggle and sustained mobilization to uphold a fundamental principle: the right to strike, free from employer interference,” said QFL President Magali Picard.
“The QFL recalls that in 1977, in Quebec, the Parti Québécois government led by René Lévesque showed courage and vision by banning the use of replacement workers under the Labour Code. Courage and vision that are sadly lacking in François Legault’s current CAQ government, which just passed Bill 89 to restrict the right to strike,” added the President.
“The absence of anti-scab legislation at the federal level has far too often prolonged disputes unnecessarily, intensified tensions on picket lines, and weakened labour relations. This long-overdue law will help restore a better balance between the parties at the bargaining table. It sends a clear message: respect for workers is non-negotiable,” said QFL General Secretary Denis Bolduc.
“The only blemish on this progress: it is unacceptable that federal public service workers were excluded from this legislation. Ottawa’s decision is blatantly unjust and must be corrected swiftly,” he continued.
“The QFL also wishes to highlight the crucial role played by the labour movement, as well as the openness of the federal government and the many elected officials who listened to our demands. This is a collective victory for social justice and workplace democracy,” concluded President Magali Picard.
The QFL, Quebec’s largest central labour organization, represents more than 600,000 workers.
Translated into English by SEU 800 from the original French-language press release issued by the QFL.