Good morning. My name is Jasmin Guénette.
I'm the vice-president of national affairs with the Canadian Federation of Independent Business. I am here with my colleague, Christina Santini, director of national affairs. We would like to thank the committee for the invitation today. I will make my remarks in English, but I can answer questions in both French and English.
The CFIB, Canadian Federation of Independent Business, represents 97,000 small business owners in all sectors of the economy and in all regions of the country, Canadian SMEs that are concerned about the potential negative impact of this bill on their business, the people they employ and those they serve. Both my colleague and I will share comments for you to consider as you review the bill and look at potential amendments.
First, it takes a simple majority of 50% plus one of members in a bargaining unit to vote in favour of a strike to launch one. Should a vote that would paralyze a large and essential infrastructure, like a port or railway, and harm so many businesses, not require a much higher threshold and higher voter turnout? Also, should all offers and counter-offers be disclosed to all concerned workers as soon as they are tabled?
That could improve union democracy and transparency.
Second, ports, railways, interprovincial trucking and other federally regulated critical infrastructure should be considered essential services so that they remain operational at all times. Also, a long strike can have harmful consequences for the economy that are disproportionate to the benefit one union can obtain.
The negative economic impact of strikes on SMEs can be major: loss of sales, loss of inventory, obligation to reduce production and workers' hours, additional storage fees and potential financial penalties based on contracts' timelines. A long strike can undermine the ability of many individuals to earn a living along the supply chain.
Could a cost analysis study by an independent third party be required to evaluate the costs and impacts of a strike for the economy, for SMEs and for Canadians, before any strike is even allowed to happen? If the impacts and costs are deemed potentially severe, a general strike could not be allowed.