Description: The St. Lawrence Seaway and members of the Canadian Auto Workers union have reached a tentative agreement.

Source: CTV.ca

Date: 10/03/2011

Link: http://calgary.ctv.ca/servlet/an/local/CTVNews/20111003/st-lawrence-seaway-strike-canadian-auto-workers-111003/20111003/?hub=CalgaryHome

Related links:

• Federal government hints it might bring in back-to-work legislation
• Montreal Gazette story
• CBC story
• Press release from the St. Lawrence Seaway
• CAW press release
• Earlier update on federal back-to-work legislation

Questions for discussion:

• What were the main issues in this negotiation?
• The tentative agreement was reached after the union served 72-hour strike notice. What effect do you think that notice might have had on the negotiations?
• The settlement also comes after federal Labour Minister Lisa Raitt hinted at back-to-work legislation. What effect do you think that might have had?
• Do you think this settlement fits the pattern discussed in the earlier update on federal back-to-work legislation? (See above under “Related links.”)
• What arguments can you think of for federal intervention in this case?
• What arguments can you think of against federal intervention in this case?