NDP, labour unions urge Conservatives to finally ban scab workers

QUEEN'S PARK - Jamie West, Official Opposition NDP critic for Labour, Training and Skills Development, urged the Ford Conservatives to pass the anti-scab legislation tabled by the NDP for the sixteenth time. West held a press conference Thursday, standing alongside labour leaders from diverse sectors to highlight the importance of anti-scab legislation in Ontario.

"This bill will prevent employers from replacing striking or locked-out employees with scab replacement workers,” West said. “Replacement workers prolong labour disputes and undermine workers’ rights to free and fair collective bargaining. As the party of labour, New Democrats will consistently stand alongside workers and fight for their rights. This is a non-partisan issue, and the Conservatives must support our workers by voting in favour of this crucial bill."

The New Democrats have a history of championing workers' rights, notably achieving the 1992 ban on scab replacement labour. However, the Conservative government repealed this crucial protection in 1995. Despite 15 years of Liberal government promises to reinstate anti-scab measures, they failed to take action.

"Scab labour inflicts harm on individuals, families, and communities, leading to prolonged strikes and lockouts," added West. "Coming from a union town, I take pride in my blue-collar, working-class background. In 2010, I experienced firsthand the impact of scab workers crossing my picket line. I remember being in the Members’ Gallery, watching the Conservatives and Liberals turn their backs on workers, ensuring anti-scab legislation wouldn't pass. Thirteen years later, as the Labour Critic, I remain committed to being in working people’s corner. It is time to make this a law once again."

ADDITIONAL QUOTES:

David Gale, President ACTRA Toronto:

"As a result of an 18-month-long lockout, advertising agencies in Ontario represented by the Institute of Canadian Agencies are replacing unionized performers with non-union performers. Like all workers across Ontario, ACTRA members are rightfully demanding fair wages, improved safety standards, and respect from employers. Performers in Ontario have long called for legislation to ensure replacement workers are not able to replace unionized performers, an essential component missing from the province's labour laws. Now, ACTRA Toronto urges the government and all parties to swiftly adopt and implement Bill 90, providing the much-needed protection workers deserve."

Myles Sullivan, USW District 6 Director:

"Steelworkers have been advocating for anti-scab legislation across the county because we know all too well what it feels like to have scabs go in while we take a stand and picket for a fair contract. Every party in this legislature says they are 'for workers,' then they will all come together and pass this bill by MPP West and the Ontario NDP."

JP Hornick, President OPSEU/SEFPO:

“The use of scab labour is universally loathed in the labour movement. It destroys families, divides communities, ruins labour relations and poisons workplaces. Strikes are shorter in jurisdictions with anti-scab legislation because it encourages employers to come to an agreement with workers. We want all parties to support this legislation because labour peace is good for workers and for the economy.”

ATU Canada President John Di Nino:

“The right to strike is part of our Charter-protected freedom of association. The threat of collective labour action is the only economic sanction workers have to bring their employer back to the table. And the right to use this sanction lies at the heart of a free and meaningful collective bargaining process.”