Green MLA tables legislation to ban the use of replacement workers during strikes
Press release
Fredericton – Megan Mitton, the MLA for Memramcook-Tantramar and Green Critic for Labour, tabled a bill in the Legislative Assembly this morning that aims to ban the use of replacement workers during a strike or lockout. The bill, entitled An Act to Amend the Industrial Relations Act, is modeled after legislation in British Columbia.
“Banning scab workers would be a concrete way of showing support to the province’s workers,” says Mitton. “The use of replacement workers decreases the bargaining power for unionized workers and is contrary to the principle of good-faith negotiations.”
If passed, the bill would ban the use of replacement workers during a strike or lockout. It would also create penalties of up to $10,000 in fines for employers who use replacement workers.
“The Higgs government has been hostile to New Brunswick workers, using legislation to diminish their rights,” added Mitton. “As Greens, we believe it's time for a government that stands up for workers’ rights.”
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