Bank of Canada Strike Hits 93 Days as Government Bill Targets Right to Strike

The Bank of Canada's strike has reached 93 days, with security officers demanding better working conditions and a new collective agreement. The central bank has been accused by the Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC) of breaking labour law by using contractors and union members during the strike.

According to the Canada Industrial Relations Board (CIRB), the Bank of Canada contravened the Canada Labour Code in its handling of the strike. The board ruled that the bank must stop using external security support, which it did on July 23.

The labour movement is denouncing a proposed bill by the Liberal government, known as Bill C-39, which would place restrictions on the right to strike. Labour leaders are considering legal avenues to address the proposed changes.

PSAC national executive vice-president Alex Silas stated that the union is asking the Bank of Canada to come back to the bargaining table and remove concessions. He added that it's concerning how little the bank respects its security officers by replacing them instead of settling on a fair deal.