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Canadian labour leaders are warning that unions could mobilize a nationwide strike if Ottawa pushes through a controversial set of proposed amendments to the Canada Labour Code. The Liberal government's Bill C-39 includes provisions that would enable a minister to intervene in strike activity within federally regulated sectors if deemed necessary for the national interest.

Union officials contend that these new regulations infringe upon the fundamental right to strike. Bea Bruske, president of the Canadian Labour Congress, announced today that unions are establishing a "war room" to mount a coordinated defense against the potential misuse of the proposed powers by the federal government. Bruske stated that unions will pool resources and legal expertise, and their collective response could trigger a wave of job actions across the country.

While Bill C-39 is currently under consideration and subject to amendments in Parliament, Bruske expressed no confidence that the Liberals would be willing to compromise on such a significant piece of economic legislation.