Bank of Canada Strike Enters 100-Day Mark Amid Labour Law Controversy
NDP Leader Avi Lewis is accusing the federal government of defying its own labour laws, specifically regarding replacement workers during a strike at the Bank of Canada.
The strike, which began in June and has now reached 93 days, involves security officers who are demanding a new collective agreement with the central bank.
According to Lewis, the Bank of Canada's use of replacement workers is a clear violation of the Canada Labour Code, which was amended in 2024 to ban federally regulated workplaces from using replacement workers during a legal strike.
Tiff Macklem, governor of the Bank of Canada, defended the bank's actions, stating that exceptions to the rules allow for the use of replacement workers when necessary to prevent threats to life, health or safety, or to prevent serious damage to property.