Collective Bargaining in the Public Sector in Canada

Abstract

Public sector bargaining in Canadian labour relations, placed in the wider context of the federal political system, is examined. The development of public sector trade unionism over the past two decades is discussed and its impact on the wider labour movements is assessed. It is argued that the prospects for public sector unionism look bleak, as both provincial and federal governments are expected to establish a more favourable investment climate for the private sector, thus curtailing public spending, restraining wages of public employees and rights of public sector unions.