Bank of Canada ordered for second time not to use replacement workers during strike

OTTAWA — The Bank of Canada has been ordered for the second time this month to stop using the services of contract workers while its security officers are on strike.

In a decision issued Wednesday, the Canada Industrial Relations Board said the Bank of Canada contravened the Canada Labour Code by using contractors from Pinkerton Consulting & Investigations during the strike.

Earlier this month, the board released a similar decision saying the central bank had contravened the code by using contractors from Garda Canada Security Corporation and the services of union members.

The Bank of Canada said in an emailed statement last week that it had complied fully with the board’s ruling and would not comment on its security posture.

On Thursday, the Bank of Canada said in a statement that it’s disappointed in the most recent decision.

“The Bank contends that it adhered to the Canada Labour Code and to previous ruling by the CIRB, despite still not having been provided the reasons behind the prior decision,” it said. “After the first ruling, the Bank took alternative measures to secure the physical security of its facilities.”

The bank said it’s considering “all of its legal options” in response to the CIRB decision.

“The Bank remains committed to the collective bargaining process as the right avenue to reach an agreement that is fair for both the bank and its security officers,” it said.

“At the same time, we will take all necessary measures to ensure Canada’s central bank is secure. We have an obligation and responsibility to Canadians to ensure the assets entrusted to us on their behalf are safe and secure at all times.”

Security officers at the Bank of Canada went on strike in June after talks failed to secure a new collective agreement between the central bank and the union.

In a statement issued Wednesday, the Public Service Alliance of Canada called on the Bank of Canada to abide by the ruling, stop using replacement workers and return to the bargaining table to negotiate a fair deal.

“The 42 members at the Bank’s Ottawa office and seven members at the Montreal office have been on strike for four weeks after the Bank locked out members in Montreal,” said the union. “Workers continue to fight for a fair deal while also demanding respect for their right to strike.”

In 2024, Canada passed legislation to ban federally regulated workplaces from bringing in replacement workers during a legal strike, and the new rules came into effect last year.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 23, 2026.

Catherine Morrison, The Canadian Press