A federal cabinet minister from this province has introduced legislation to ban replacement workers.

Labour Minister Seamus O’Regan tabled Bill C-58 this morning. The legislation was part of the confidence-and-supply deal with the NDP and had to be fulfilled before the end of the year

The “anti-scab” legislation would end the use of replacement workers during a strike or lockout with a union employer in a federally-regulated industry. Only in matters of health and safety and the protection of property and the environment are replacement workers allowed to be used.

Violating the legislation would result in a fine of $100,000 per day.

O’Regan says the bill is about keeping parties focused on the bargaining table and providing more stability for the economy.

The bill also includes parameters around the maintenance of activities to determine what work will continue during a strike or lockout, requiring employers and unions to come together within 15 days to make that designation. If an agreement cannot be reached, the matter will do to the Canada Industrial Relations Board.