Bank of Canada Faces Backlash Over Replacement Workers During Security Strike

The Bank of Canada's Governor Tiff Macklem is defending the central bank's use of replacement workers during a strike involving security officers. The decision was made after the Canada Industrial Relations Board (CIRB) ruled that the bank contravened the Canada Labour Code by using contractors from Pinkerton Consulting & Investigations and Garda Canada Security Corporation.

Macklem stated in a letter to the president of the Canadian Labour Congress, Bea Bruske, that the bank had never refused to comply with the orders of the CIRB. He said that the bank put alternative arrangements in place after complying with the first ruling, and again after the second.

The Bank of Canada's use of replacement workers is a matter of debate, with some arguing that it undermines collective bargaining rights and others saying it was necessary to ensure safety during the strike.