The provincial NDP are calling on Nova Scotia to ban the use of replacement workers.

The bill introduced in the legislature Tuesday, would prevent employers from using replacements when workers are legally striking or locked out, except for pre-arranged work that is required for health and safety reasons.

It also includes penalties for employers who violate the act.

Leader Claudia Chender says they are proud to table the bill.

“Workers need and deserve fair wages and safe working conditions and they have the right to bargain for them.”

Chender adds little is being done by the Houston government to provide relief for everyday Nova Scotians; particularly when we are in the middle of an affordability crisis and seeing record corporate profits.

Backed by Labour 

The Nova Scotia Federation of Labour is applauding the move.

President Danny Cavanaugh says the introduction of the bill is a significant milestone in our history.

“We often hear politicians voice their support for workers and now they have an opportunity to back up their words with actions.”

He says it is evident that banning replacement workers not only reduces the length and intensity of labour disputes but brings back stability in the workplace and restores balance in collective bargaining.

Union support 

Unifor thanks the NDP for tabling the bill.

Atlantic Regional Director for the union, Jennifer Murray says, replacement workers were doing members’ work mere hours after the picket lines went up during the ongoing CN Autoport strike.

Murray says replacement workers, “prolongs labour disputes and poisons labour relations.”

The legislation already exists in Quebec and British Columbia, is soon to be implemented in Manitoba, and has been recently introduced at the federal level.