Striking workers affiliated with Unifor at Halifax’s Autoport terminal have leveled allegations against the employer, claiming that they have resorted to the use of replacement workers.
Unifor Local 100 initiated a legal strike at 12:01 a.m. on Tuesday, February 27, 2024.
Representing 239 employees at the Autoport vehicle processing and transshipment hub in Eastern Passage, Nova Scotia, Unifor Local 100 operates within the broader framework of CN Rail. Autoport, under CN Rail’s umbrella, serves as one of North America’s largest facilities of its kind, handling nearly 185,000 vehicles annually.
Lana Payne, Unifor’s national president, stated in a release, “The planned use of replacement workers indicates Autoport’s lack of seriousness in reaching a fair agreement. Historical evidence shows that employing replacement labor prolongs disputes, and the company’s actions have exacerbated the challenge of reaching a resolution.”
Payne also emphasized the necessity for federal intervention to enact anti-replacement worker legislation promptly, preventing companies like Autoport from resorting to such measures instead of engaging in fair negotiations.
In response to the accusations, Autoport spokesperson Thomas Bateman conveyed via email, “Autoport respects the right to peaceful and safe strike action and remains committed to achieving a fair negotiated settlement with the union. The company operates within the confines of all applicable laws, including those governing labor practices. Our contingency plan is centered around maintaining a smooth supply chain and ensuring the safe movement of goods.”
Unifor has underscored that the use of replacement workers undermines collective bargaining power, needlessly prolongs labor disputes, and negates the essential leverage that withdrawing labor is meant to provide in resolving conflicts.
The union has urged both the federal government to pass Bill C-58 and the province of Nova Scotia to adopt its own anti-replacement worker legislation, following the examples set by British Columbia and Quebec. Additionally, Unifor calls for the swift implementation of the ban on the use of replacement workers. Notably, Autoport is not federally certified.
Negotiations between the union and the employer commenced on September 28, 2023, and continued until the strike deadline.
Unifor remains open to resuming negotiations and hopes for Autoport’s renewed commitment to reaching a mutually beneficial resolution. It is emphasized that Autoport, as a subsidiary of Canadian National (CN) Rail, holds the primary responsibility in this dispute. The broader context of the labor dispute includes the overarching influence of CN Rail.
“Our primary objective has always been to secure a fair agreement that reflects the value of our members’ contributions,” stated Cory Will, president of Unifor Local 100. “While the current situation is not what we had hoped for, our determination remains steadfast, and we are fully prepared to engage in strike action to uphold the rights and fair treatment of our members.”
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