New Brunswick Federation of Labour (NBFL) congratulates the NB Green Party for bringing forward anti-scab legislation, Bill 48, in the Legislative Assembly on Friday. The labour movement has long fought for anti-scab legislation, recognizing its crucial role in protecting workers and their right to strike.
Earlier last week, federal Members of Parliament unanimously adopted anti-scab legislation for federally regulated workplaces.
“My message to the Liberal and Conservative Members of the Legislative Assembly is clear,” says Daniel Légère, president of the NBFL. “Pass Bill 48 without undue delays. It is long overdue. The future of workers and the integrity of our labour system depend on it.”
Scabs, sometimes called “replacement” workers, are brought in during a lockout or strike to take regular workers’ jobs. The employers’ use of scab labour — pitting desperate workers against each other — undermines workers’ right to strike, intensifies labour disputes and escalates hostility at the picket lines – threatening the safety of these workers and their communities.
Quebec has had an anti-scab law for more than 45 years and British Columbia for 30 years. These longstanding laws, and the unanimously adopted federal anti-scab bill, will shorten labour stoppages. They will also reduce the damaging effects scabs have on inflaming disputes and bring back fairness at the bargaining table.
More and more private and public sector workers are turning to their unions to stand up and demand better from employers and governments.
“Workers know that walking the picket line is not easy. And the threat of scabs being present is very real. That amplifies the stress workers face when making decisions for themselves, their families, and their communities. That’s why, adopting anti-scab legislation in New Brunswick is critical,” added Légère.
Workers in New Brunswick deserve to have their constitutional right to bargain and to strike protected, without the persistent menace of the use of scabs that would prolong work stoppages and incite drawn-out and destructive conflicts.
Daniel Légère is the president of the New Brunswick Federation of Labour.