Central bank says it's considering 'all of its legal options' after federal labour board finds violations of Canada Labour Code
The Bank of Canada has been ordered for the second time this month to stop using contract workers to replace striking security officers, after the Canada Industrial Relations Board found the central bank had again contravened the Canada Labour Code.
The board found that the bank had used contractors from Pinkerton Consulting & Investigations during the ongoing strike by its security officers, the Canadian Press reported.
An earlier ruling earlier in July found the bank had similarly relied on contractors from Garda Canada Security Corporation, as well as the services of union members, in violation of the code.
Bank 'disappointed’ by decision
The Bank of Canada said in a statement Thursday that it is disappointed in the most recent decision and is weighing its next steps, the Canadian Press reported.
"The Bank contends that it adhered to the Canada Labour Code and to the previous ruling by the CIRB, despite still not having been provided the reasons behind the prior decision," the bank said. "After the first ruling, the Bank took alternative measures to secure the physical security of its facilities."
The bank said it is considering "all of its legal options" in response to the board's ruling.
"The Bank remains committed to the collective bargaining process as the right avenue to reach an agreement that is fair for both the bank and its security officers," it said. "At the same time, we will take all necessary measures to ensure Canada's central bank is secure. We have an obligation and responsibility to Canadians to ensure the assets entrusted to us on their behalf are safe and secure at all times."
Strike now in 4th week
Security officers at the Bank of Canada went on strike in June after talks failed to produce a new collective agreement. The Public Service Alliance of Canada, which represents the workers, said Wednesday that 42 members at the bank's Ottawa office and seven members at its Montreal office have now been on the picket line for four weeks — and that workers in Montreal were locked out before the strike began.
The union called on the bank to abide by the CIRB ruling, cease the use of replacement workers and return to the bargaining table, the Canadian Press reported.
The dispute is unfolding under legislation passed in 2024 that bans federally regulated workplaces from bringing in replacement workers during a legal strike. Those rules came into effect last year.
