Bank of Canada Strike Tests New Labour Laws as NDP Accuses Government of Breaking Own Rules
NDP Leader Avi Lewis is accusing the federal government of breaking its own labour laws by allowing the Bank of Canada to use replacement workers during a strike involving security officers.
The strike, which began in June and has now lasted over 90 days, involves 49 union members who are demanding better working conditions and wages. According to Lewis, this is the first major test of new labour laws that ban federally regulated workplaces from using replacement workers during a legal strike.
Bank of Canada Governor Tiff Macklem claimed in July that some 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. However, Lewis disputed this claim, saying that the bank's actions are 'a bad sign' and a 'terrible message'.
The labour movement is now rallying behind the security officers, with dozens of union members gathering outside the Bank of Canada headquarters in Ottawa on Wednesday.