Bank of Canada Defends Use of Replacement Workers Amid Strike

Bank of Canada governor Tiff Macklem is defending the central bank's use of replacement workers during a strike by security officers. The strike, now in its fourth week, began in June after talks between the bank and the union failed to produce a new collective agreement.

Macklem said the bank has never refused to follow orders from the Canada Industrial Relations Board (CIRB), which ruled twice that the bank had violated Canada's labour code. The first ruling was made in July, finding that the bank had broken the code by using contractors from Garda Canada Security Corporation and relying on union members.

According to Macklem, the bank believed it was allowed to use replacement workers under exceptions in the labour code for situations where there are threats to life, health or safety. He said the bank has complied with both CIRB rulings by ceasing its previous arrangements and suppliers.