We need anti-scab legislation in Nova Scotia

Opinion piece by NSFL President Danny Cavanagh

The contentious issue of employing replacement workers, often called “scabs,” during labour disputes has sparked intense conflicts in Nova Scotia. Recent events have shed light on the use of replacement workers once again, this time at the Autoport Labour Dispute. The company’s decision to bring in out-of-province scab labour has escalated tensions on a legal picket line, sparking accusations of attempting to “strike bust.”

This move allows employers to prolong disputes and hinder getting a fair deal. Not long ago, during the Halifax Regional Centre for Education (HRCE) strike, external replacement workers were hired during a CUPE 5047 school support workers strike. The province’s decision to bring in non-union replacements, including unqualified and untrained individuals, was seen as prolonging the dispute and directly impacting students with disabilities who rely on the support provided by striking workers.

These actions disregarded the right to strike, protected under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. There have been several significant strikes in Nova Scotia where replacement workers were used. These include disputes at the Chronicle Herald and Halifax Water. The use of replacement workers has been a point of contention, leading to calls for legislative changes to protect workers’ rights during labour disputes.

In response to these challenges, the trade union movement has advocated for the federal government to pass Bill C-58, which will ban replacement workers during strikes and lockouts in federally regulated workplaces. While this proposed legislation addresses concerns at the federal level, the absence of provincial legislation in Nova Scotia exacerbates tensions during strikes, allowing employers to hire replacement workers without regulation.

This lack of regulation undermines workers’ collective power and perpetuates labour disputes, highlighting the province’s urgent need for legislative action. Scab labour poisons labour relations, leading to resentment and lowering workplace morale, increasing tensions during the dispute but also negatively affecting the work environment. Hiring scabs undermines the workers’ right to engage in lawful strike action in the face of an unreasonable employer, disregarding the fundamental right to strike protected under labour laws and the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

The use of replacement workers in Nova Scotia has underscored the necessity of addressing the issue of scab labour to ensure fair negotiations and uphold workers’ rights. As efforts continue to push for legislative reform, implementing Bill C-58 at the federal level is crucial in mitigating the detrimental impacts of hiring replacement workers. However, the absence of provincial legislation in Nova Scotia remains a point of contention, emphasizing the imperative need for comprehensive legislative measures to regulate the use of replacement workers and contribute to resolving labour disputes.