Bank of Canada Defends Use of Replacement Workers During Strike

The Bank of Canada has been accused of using replacement workers during a strike involving security officers, but Governor Tiff Macklem is defending the central bank's actions.

In a decision issued last week, the Canada Industrial Relations Board said the Bank of Canada contravened the Canada Labour Code by hiring contractors from Pinkerton Consulting & Investigations and Garda Canada Security Corporation to replace striking workers.

Macklem claimed that some exceptions to the rules allow for the use of replacement workers when necessary to prevent threats to life, health or safety, or destruction or serious damage to property. He pointed out that acknowledged threats to safety were present in this case.