Introduction

Labour relations are a fundamental component of Canada’s social, economic, and legal landscape, influencing the daily lives of millions of workers, employers, and union members across the country. In this text, we explore the dynamic and evolving relationships between unions, employers, and governments, examining how historical developments, legal frameworks, and workplace realities shape worker-management relationships and the broader world of work. Whether you are a student new to the subject, an HR professional, or someone interested in understanding how Canadian workplaces and unions function, this book offers a comprehensive overview of the key concepts, processes, and issues that define labour relations today.

The book begins with a broad overview of the labour relations landscape at the end of 2023, often referred to as the “year of the union” due to high levels of organizing activity and labour disputes (Vescera, 2023). This period in Canada was heavily shaped by the global COVID-19 pandemic and low unemployment rates. However, these moments are temporary. At the time of writing this introduction (2025), Canada is in the midst of a tariff war with the United States, and unemployment has risen to over 7%. As a result, the emphasis on workers has shifted from strengthening workplace rights and union activities to protecting jobs and employment.

In the most recent Canadian election (May 2025), the Liberals once again formed a minority government. However, the labour-friendly New Democratic Party (NDP) lost its official party status, holding only seven seats in Parliament. While the long-term implications for the Canadian labour movement remain uncertain, this text demonstrates how government policy and labour relations are deeply interconnected. Therefore, readers are encouraged to consult current data sources and legal frameworks for the most up-to-date information. Links have been provided throughout the text to support this.

Chapter Summary

Chapter 1 — Introduction to Labour Relations

This chapter introduces the foundations of labour relations in Canada by defining key terminology and concepts essential to understanding the field. It examines current rates of union representation, highlights the value and relevance of studying labour relations, and outlines the key differences between unionized and non-unionized workplaces. This chapter provides the necessary context to explore the complex relationships between employers, employees, and unions throughout the rest of the text.

Chapter 2 — The Legal Framework

This chapter examines the legal framework that governs labour relations in Canada. It introduces the key laws and regulations that shape union-employer relationships and explains how these laws are applied in practice. The chapter also examines the history and significance of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, highlighting its impact on workers’ rights and labour relations nationwide.

Chapter 3 — Labour History in Canada: The Early Years

This chapter explores the early development of Canada’s labour movement during the period of industrialization. It examines how industrialization and capitalism created new working and living conditions that led to the emergence of Canada’s working class and a growing desire for union representation. The chapter compares the roles of craft guilds and early unions, highlighting both their similarities and differences. It also considers the unique experiences of Indigenous Peoples in Canada as they engaged in wage labour and interacted with unions.

[This chapter has been adapted from “Rise of a Working Class” in Canadian History: Post-Confederation by John Douglas Belshaw (2016), which is licensed under a CC BY 4.0 license.]

Chapter 4 — Labour History: A Growing Movement

This chapter traces the key events and turning points that have shaped the history of labour relations in Canada. It examines how significant historical moments such as the Nine-Hour Movement and the Winnipeg General Strike influenced the development of modern labour laws and contributed to the current structure of union-employer relationships. By connecting the past to present-day practices, this chapter helps explain how Canada’s unique labour relations system has evolved.

Chapter 5 — The Union Question

This chapter examines why and how unions form, introducing key theories of union formation and exploring the various reasons workers seek unionization. The chapter distinguishes between various types of unions and outlines the structure of unions and the broader labour movement in Canada. It also discusses union philosophy and highlights how democratic principles are embedded within the Canadian labour movement.

Chapter 6 — Union Certification

This chapter examines the process of union organizing, from the initial steps workers take to form a union to the formal certification process required under Canadian labour law. It also explores some of the elements of the certification application and how an appropriate bargaining unit for representation is defined. The certification process often results in a response by management. This chapter also explores the nature of these responses and what constitutes an illegal activity that could result in unfair labour practice complaints.

Chapter 7 — Management of Labour Relations

This chapter explores the diverse perspectives that managers and Canadians hold toward unions and unionization. It examines public attitudes, employer viewpoints, and the factors that influence these opinions. The chapter also explains the range of strategies managers may adopt in response to unionization efforts within their organizations.

Chapter 8 — Resolving Collective Bargaining Disputes

This chapter examines the various methods employers and unions use to resolve disputes during collective bargaining. It discusses the prevalence of strikes and lockouts in Canada, outlines the legal preconditions required for these actions, and explores the motives and functions behind work stoppages. The chapter also explains the role of picketing, the use of replacement workers, and the various third-party interventions available to help resolve bargaining impasses.

Chapter 9 — Grievance Arbitration Process

This chapter explores the grievance and arbitration process in unionized workplaces. It differentiates between various types of grievances and outlines the key steps involved in resolving disputes through the formal grievance procedure and arbitration. The chapter also explains important legal concepts, such as procedural onus and standard of proof, while introducing alternative methods that can be used to resolve grievances outside of arbitration.

Note From the Author

Readers may notice that, at this time, a chapter on “Collective Bargaining” has not been included. This is currently under development. In the meantime, you may want to refer to “Chapter 8: The Negotiation Process and Strikes” (pp. 149-162) in An Introduction to U.S. Collective Bargaining and Labor Relations (Katz et al., 2017).

This reading is a chapter from a US e-text written by three prominent industrial relations scholars. In this chapter, they describe the collective bargaining process and its sub-processes, which have been the prevailing framework used in the US and Canada since the 1960s. Check your institution’s library for a copy.

References

Belshaw, J. D. (2016). Canadian history: Post-confederation. BCcampus. https://opentextbc.ca/postconfederation/

Katz, H. C., Kochan, T. A., & Colvin, A. J. S. (2017). An introduction to U.S. collective bargaining and labour relations. ILR Press.

Vescera, Z. (2023, December 22). How 2023 became the year of unions. The Tyee. https://thetyee.ca/News/2023/12/22/How-2023-Became-Year-Of-Unions/