Bargaining relationships are governed by legislation, whether it is the Canada Labour Code or other legislation such as the Charter of Rights and Freedom. What is common to these pieces of legislation is that there are specific worker rights that are protected and enshrined, including the right to strike and the right to withdraw their services if the majority of the membership so chooses. The vast majority of contract negotiations end without a labour disruption.

Sometimes it is the threat of a strike that causes an employer to rethink their position when months of bargaining, and reasonable bargaining proposals do not.

A strike vote shows the employer that the membership is united, strong, and willing to flex that solidarity if necessary.