CFL Strikes and different provincial labour laws

Interview Summary

Many teams in the CFL are currently on strike with the exception of the Calgary Stampeders and the Edmonton Elks. This inability to strike has called into question the differing labour laws that each province in Canada has. Is there a stark difference in employee rights in each province? Are there exceptions for certain industries?

Lluc Cerda, an Alberta employment lawyer and Senior Associate at Samfiru Tumarkin LLP joined Jock Wilson on 770 CHQR to discuss the influence labour laws have on employees in the province.

Interview Notes

• Labour laws in Alberta differ from other provinces: Most employees across the country are governed by provincial labour laws and very few are ruled by federal laws. In Alberta, unlike in other provinces, unionized employees have to inform their employer of 3 days of notice that a strike will be taking place.
• Consequences of not giving notice to strike: It would be considered an unlawful strike if unionized employees failed to give notice to their employers. The notice period was implemented in order to avoid strikes that in the past have devolved into violence and encouraged negotiation between the parties.
• Difference between a players association and union: An employee association and union do differ however an association is considered just shy of a union organization. In an association, every employee has their own contract however it is a template contract.