Bank of Canada Defends Use of Replacement Workers Amid Strike Threats

The Bank of Canada's governor, Tiff Macklem, has defended the central bank's use of replacement workers during a strike involving security officers. The decision was made in response to acknowledged threats to the safety of people, facilities, and assets at the bank.

Last week, the Canada Industrial Relations Board ruled that the Bank of Canada had contravened the Canada Labour Code by using contractors from Pinkerton Consulting & Investigations during the strike.

Macklem stated in a letter to the president of the Canadian Labour Congress that the bank has never refused to comply with the orders of the board, citing exceptions to the rules that allow for the use of replacement workers in situations where there are threats to life, health or safety, or destruction or serious damage to property.