Bank of Canada Strike Tests Labour Law Amid Replacement Worker Controversy

NDP Leader Avi Lewis has accused the federal government of defying its own labour laws in relation to the ongoing strike by security officers at the Bank of Canada.

The strike, which began in June, is approaching its 100th day and has seen the central bank's governor, Tiff Macklem, admit to using replacement workers during the dispute.

According to Lewis, this marks the first test of a law passed in 2024 that prohibits federally regulated workplaces from bringing in replacement workers during a legal strike. The new rules took effect last year, and the Bank of Canada's actions appear to be at odds with them.

The Canada Industrial Relations Board has issued two decisions indicating that the central bank contravened the Canada Labour Code by using contractors and the services of union members during the strike.