Unifor has called for cross-party support for newly introduced anti-scab legislation in New Brunswick. The Green Party tabled the bill, which aims to prevent employers from hiring replacement workers during strikes and lockouts.
Unifor National President Lana Payne emphasized the detrimental effects of using replacement workers, often referred to as “scabs.”
“The use of scabs undermines bargaining, breaks trust between employer and employees, and leads to longer labour disputes and a more toxic work environment,” Payne said. She underscored that anti-scab legislation is essential to ensuring fair and free collective bargaining.
Jennifer Murray, Unifor’s Atlantic Regional Director, attended the bill’s introduction at the New Brunswick Legislature alongside other labour activists. Murray highlighted the broader context of Unifor’s efforts, noting similar legislative moves across the country.
“We need to see anti-scab legislation on the books in every jurisdiction across Canada, and Unifor will not stop until that is a reality,” she stated.
Unifor has been a vocal advocate for anti-scab legislation nationwide. Recently, a similar bill passed its third reading in the House of Commons. Additionally, Manitoba’s NDP government and Nova Scotia’s NDP opposition have introduced bills aimed at banning the use of replacement workers during labour disputes. Quebec and British Columbia already have such legislation in place.
“The use of scabs is unfair to both the striking workers and those who are often misled into taking these jobs,” Murray said, emphasizing the importance of legislative protection for workers.
New Brunswick currently has a Progressive Conservative Party majority government led by Premier Blaine Higgs.