Labor or Labour | Comparing Labor Relations: Canada vs. U.S.
Wed Feb 04 2026
In this episode of the Left of Boom Show, Phil Wilson, CEO of LRI Consulting Services, Inc., and John Mortimer, CEO of Mortimer & Company Consulting and LabourWatch, discuss the intricacies of Canadian labor law, comparing it with the U.S. system.
They discuss the structure of labor boards, the dynamics of union membership, and the importance of fostering positive employee relations. The conversation highlights differences in how labor laws are applied in Canada and the U.S., the challenges unions face, and the importance of creating a great workplace to avoid unionization. The discussion also touches on the future of labor relations and the evolving landscape of employee rights.
The conversation highlights differences in how labor laws are applied in Canada and the U.S., the challenges unions face, and the importance of creating a great workplace to avoid unionization. The discussion also touches on the future of labor relations and the evolving landscape of employee rights.
Takeaways
Canadian labor law varies significantly from U.S. law.Each province in Canada has its own labor regulations.Canada's labor boards operate differently than the U.S. NLRB.Unions in Canada have a different relationship with employees compared to the U.S.Employee relations are crucial for avoiding unionization.Many employees prefer non-unionized workplaces.The structure of labor boards in Canada promotes fairness.Unions must earn their members' trust to remain relevant.Creating a positive workplace culture can reduce the need for unions.The future of unions may depend on their ability to adapt to employee needs.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Canadian Labor Law
02:55 Understanding the Structure of Labor Law in Canada
05:45 Differences in Employment Law Between Canada and the U.S.
08:54 The Role of Labor Boards in Canada vs. the U.S.
11:53 Unionization Processes and Challenges in Canada
14:52 Union Dynamics and Employee Relations in Canada
18:01 Comparative Union Density and Membership Issues
23:12 Understanding Labor Watch and Its Purpose
32:04 Creating Positive Work Environments
46:43 Decertification and Labor Relations in Canada vs. the US
More
In this episode of the Left of Boom Show, Phil Wilson, CEO of LRI Consulting Services, Inc., and John Mortimer, CEO of Mortimer & Company Consulting and LabourWatch, discuss the intricacies of Canadian labor law, comparing it with the U.S. system. They discuss the structure of labor boards, the dynamics of union membership, and the importance of fostering positive employee relations. The conversation highlights differences in how labor laws are applied in Canada and the U.S., the challenges unions face, and the importance of creating a great workplace to avoid unionization. The discussion also touches on the future of labor relations and the evolving landscape of employee rights. The conversation highlights differences in how labor laws are applied in Canada and the U.S., the challenges unions face, and the importance of creating a great workplace to avoid unionization. The discussion also touches on the future of labor relations and the evolving landscape of employee rights. Takeaways Canadian labor law varies significantly from U.S. law.Each province in Canada has its own labor regulations.Canada's labor boards operate differently than the U.S. NLRB.Unions in Canada have a different relationship with employees compared to the U.S.Employee relations are crucial for avoiding unionization.Many employees prefer non-unionized workplaces.The structure of labor boards in Canada promotes fairness.Unions must earn their members' trust to remain relevant.Creating a positive workplace culture can reduce the need for unions.The future of unions may depend on their ability to adapt to employee needs. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Canadian Labor Law 02:55 Understanding the Structure of Labor Law in Canada 05:45 Differences in Employment Law Between Canada and the U.S. 08:54 The Role of Labor Boards in Canada vs. the U.S. 11:53 Unionization Processes and Challenges in Canada 14:52 Union Dynamics and Employee Relations in Canada 18:01 Comparative Union Density and Membership Issues 23:12 Understanding Labor Watch and Its Purpose 32:04 Creating Positive Work Environments 46:43 Decertification and Labor Relations in Canada vs. the US