For the second time, the Canada Industrial Relations Board (CIRB) has found that the Bank of Canada violated federal anti-scab protections.
This time, the Bank used Pinkerton Consulting & Investigations (Canada) Inc. to perform the work of striking security officers. The CIRB ordered the Bank to stop within 48 hours. Pinkerton has a notorious history in the labour movement, including strikebreaking and infiltrating unions. The Bank’s decision to turn to the company during a lawful strike makes its continued use of replacement workers all the more troubling.
The ruling comes just two weeks after the CIRB found the Bank had violated the same protections by using contracted Garda workers.
“First Garda, now Pinkerton. The Bank of Canada keeps trying to get around the law, and it keeps failing,” said Ruth Lau MacDonald, PSAC Regional Executive Vice-President for the National Capital Region. “It’s time for the Bank to do the responsible thing: respect our members’ right to strike and come back to the bargaining table.”
This is another win for our members, but the fight for a fair deal continues.
How you can support striking Bank of Canada workers
Our members are still on the picket line and fighting for a fair deal. Here are a few ways you can show your support:
Join the picket line
Downtown Ottawa
Kent and Sparks Street, outside Bank of Canada headquarters
Weekdays: 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Weekends: 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Ottawa South
2250 St. Laurent Blvd.
Weekdays: 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Montreal
1001 rue Levert, Verdun
Weekdays: 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.
Take action from home
Can’t make it to the picket line? Send a letter to the Bank of Canada’s Board of Directors calling on the Bank to return to the bargaining table, withdraw its concessions and negotiate a fair deal.
You can also support the members by making a donation via Interac e-Transfer to Local71250@psac-afpc.com or by check payable to PSAC Local 71250.
Every action counts. Whether you join the picket line, send a letter or make a donation, your solidarity helps our members keep up the fight for a fair deal.