PSAC has filed a fourth unfair labour practice complaint against the Bank of Canada, alleging the Bank continues to pay employees who crossed the picket line.
On July 7, the Canada Industrial Relations Board (CIRB) found the Bank had violated the Canada Labour Code by using contractors and bargaining unit employees to do the work of striking security officers. The Bank was ordered to stop within 48 hours, by July 9.
But according to PSAC’s new complaint, five employees who crossed the picket line continued receiving compensation through at least July 24.
The Bank’s explanation changed
When PSAC raised concerns about the continued payments, the Bank provided changing explanations for why employees who crossed the picket line continued receiving compensation. Meanwhile, striking workers went without their regular wages and benefits.
PSAC’s complaint alleges the Bank gave preferential treatment to employees who crossed the picket line while penalizing members who exercised their legal right to strike.
“This is our fourth complaint. At some point, the Bank of Canada needs to understand that the law applies to them too,” said Ruth Lau MacDonald, PSAC regional executive vice-president for the National Capital Region. “Our members should not be financially punished for exercising their right to strike while the Bank continues to undermine that strike.”
PSAC is asking the CIRB to remedy the preferential treatment and compensate striking members for losses resulting from the Bank’s actions.
Bank of Canada security officers have been on strike since June 23, and they’re continuing to stand together for a fair deal.
Stand with them by sending a letter to your MP, calling on them to support striking workers and urge the Bank to get back to the bargaining table.