Many workplaces today require employers and unions to work
alongside each other to maintain positive labour relations. In
2012, approximately 31.5% of all employees in Canada belonged to a
union or were covered by a collective agreement. But how much do
employers or the public really know about unions –
specifically how much is known about what the approximate $4.5
billion that is annually collected in union dues is used for?
Answering this question will be simpler when
Bill C-377 comes into force as it will compel public financial
transparency by all Canadian labour organizations.
The Bill
This bill is not without controversy. It was first introduced in
2013 and has undergone some changes. For example, some of the
disclosure requirements have been modified in an effort to comply
with privacy legislation. Despite the criticisms from various
labour organizations, Bill C-377 received royal assent on June 30,
2015 and will come into effect in six months. Once in
