Ontario's Progressive Conservatives are calling for an overhaul of labour laws to give unions less power in the workplace.

The Tories say in a new policy “white paper” that provincial rules should block mandatory paycheque deductions of union dues, and give workers the option of not joining a union in workplaces with collective agreements.

It says these and other changes to the labour system are needed to get unions to “adapt” in an era of flagging manufacturing employment and the movement of jobs to American states with strict rules governing the power of unions.

Tory Leader Tim Hudak said in a statement the changes would give workers more choice and create jobs in the province.

The paper also says unions should be forced to release information about their finances and what they spend money on.

It also calls for workplace insurance to be opened up to competition from the private sector.

(The Canadian Press)