Thank you, Mr. Chair.
Amendment NDP‑5 addresses a somewhat contentious issue. Our view is that clarification is needed with respect to union strategies that might be used during partial or rotating strikes.
In some sectors, certain unions have often done that as pressure mounted. Rather than immediately trigger a total strike on certain days, or a general unlimited strike, a step-by-step process is possible. We, and many union organizations, don't think the act is clear with respect to when replacement workers can be used during partial or rotating strikes. That's why we are proposing this amendment.
The purpose of amendment NDP‑5 is to protect union strategies. It means that if a partial or rotating strike is called, these strategies will be included in the protection provided by the anti-strikebreakers act, to prevent people from continuing to go to the workplace if the location is changed or if it is a partial strike.