Labour Program Dispute Resolution: Who Qualifies and What You Get
Learn if you can access mediation and conciliation services if your workplace is involved in a strike or lockout.
This program provides support to help resolve disagreements between employers and employees during industrial actions.
Who it's for
This program is specifically designed for workers who are employed in federally regulated industries. These are sectors that fall under federal jurisdiction rather than provincial oversight. To qualify for these services, your workplace must be currently involved in a strike or a lockout.
What you get
You can access mediation and conciliation services. These services involve professional assistance to help manage the tension between employers and workers. Mediation and conciliation are processes where a neutral third party helps the different sides talk through their issues and find common ground to reach a resolution.
What it costs you
There is no cost to access these services. You do not have to pay a fee to engage with these mediation or conciliation processes.
The catch to know
A common issue is that many workers, such as many machinists, are provincially regulated rather than federally regulated. Because the rules change depending on whether your industry is governed by the province or the federal government, you must check your specific jurisdiction. If your workplace falls under provincial authority, you will not be eligible for this specific federal program and must look to your provincial labor body instead.
How to apply
- Verify that your specific industry is one that is federally regulated in Canada.
- Confirm that your workplace is currently undergoing an active strike or a lockout.
- Contact the relevant government department to request the mediation or conciliation services you require.