Bank of Canada Strikes Defy Labour Laws, Say Critics

NDP leader Avi Lewis accused the federal government of defying its own labour laws after Bank of Canada Governor Tiff Macklem admitted to using replacement workers during a strike by security officers. The strike has now reached 93 days, with union members demanding better pay and working conditions. According to Lewis, this is the first test of the law passed in 2024 that banned federally regulated workplaces from hiring replacement workers during a legal strike.

The Bank of Canada has argued 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. However, two decisions by the Canada Industrial Relations Board have found that the central bank contravened the Canada Labour Code by using contractors and union members during the strike.

The NDP leader said that the labour movement across the country is 'on fire' against what he called a direct attack on workers' right to strike. He accused Prime Minister of compromising workers' rights in a sweeping economic bill tabled by the Liberal government last Monday.