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Federal unions are challenging the constitutionality of the recently passed budget bill that allows the Conservative government to bypass collective bargaining and limit public servants’ right to strikes so it can impose a new sick leave and disability regime.

The long-anticipated lawsuit was filed in Ontario Superior Court Monday by 12 of the 17 unions representing Canada’s public servants, alleging the Conservatives’ legislative changes violate employees’ right to free and fair collective bargaining and limits the right to strike.

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The lawsuit is aimed at the part of the budget bill in which the government gave itself the power to override the Public Service Labour Relations Act and impose a new sick-leave and disability regime for public servants at any time.

The legal action is led by the Professional Institute of the Public Service of Canada (PIPSC) and Canadian Association of Professional Employees (CAPE), the two largest unions for professional public servants, from scientists to economists. The giant Public Service Alliance of Canada is expected to file a separate challenge Tuesday.