Sudbury MPP West Demands Anti-Scab Legislation as SNOLAB Strike Escalates

QUEEN’S PARK — Following the passage of anti-scab legislation at the federal level with unanimous support, MPP Jamie West (Sudbury) called on the Conservative Government to enact Bill 90, the Anti-Scab Labour Act.

“The SNOLAB Workers love their jobs but can’t afford to make ends meet. These Workers need a cost-of-living increase and paid Family Responsibility Leave. SNOLAB says they don’t have any money, but somehow, they found the money to pay for scab workers, buses, and security services,” said West.

The ongoing strike by Steelworkers at SNOLAB in Sudbury highlights the urgent need for anti-scab legislation to shorten labour disputes and protect vulnerable workers from being asked to do the work of striking employees.

Since May 8, SNOLAB has ignored the union’s new contract offer, which includes wage increases and paid family responsibility leave. Instead, they have used scab labour, undermining the collective bargaining process.

“Instead of ensuring their workers can pay rent, mortgages, and put food on the table for their families, I’ve been told that SNOLAB has asked their summer students to perform this work, placing yet more workers at risk.”

“This is why anti-scab legislation is so important,” added West. “We need the Premier to pass Bill 90 and restore anti-scab legislation in Ontario. The federal government finally got it right - it’s time for Ford’s Conservatives to follow suit and be on the right side of history.”