Bank of Canada Faces Criticism for Replacement Worker Use During Security Strike

Bank of Canada Governor Tiff Macklem defended his institution's use of replacement workers during a strike by security officers, despite labour board rulings that found the bank contravened the Canada Labour Code.

The Canadian Industrial Relations Board (CIRB) issued two decisions last week, one involving Pinkerton Consulting & Investigations and the other Garda Canada Security Corporation, stating that the Bank of Canada had used contractors to maintain security during the strike.

Macklem claimed in a letter to the president of the Canadian Labour Congress that the bank had never refused to comply with the orders of the CIRB, citing exceptions to the rules for situations where threats to life, health or safety exist. The bank has ceased using replacement workers since complying with the rulings.

The strike by security officers at the Bank of Canada's Ottawa and Montreal offices began in June after collective bargaining talks failed to yield a new agreement, leading the union to call on the bank to return to negotiations.