NAPE Calls for Legislation to End the Use of StrikeBreakers

ST. JOHN’S, NL – The Newfoundland and Labrador Association of Public and Private Employees (NAPE) is calling on the provincial government to immediately introduce legislation that will prevent the use of replacement workers and strikebreakers during a legal strike.

“The lack of such legislation has prolonged strikes and caused undue hardship for the working people of this province, including the workers who are currently on strike at Labatt in St. John’s,” said NAPE President Carol Furlong.  

The provinces of Quebec and British Columbia already have legislation which prevents the use of strikebreakers.

“We want the same provisions for workers in this province so that both parties are operating on a level playing field. It does nothing for labour relations to have enduring strikes that would likely be resolved if there wasn’t interference from using strikebreakers,” said Furlong. “Not so long ago a strike with Vale, another multi-billion dollar corporation, went on for over a year due the use of replacement workers. Only when the government intervened was this strike finally resolved.”

“The use of replacement workers and strike breakers create deep and long lasting divisions in the workplaces and in the communities where the workers live,” said Furlong. “We firmly believe that the introduction of anti- strikebreaker legislation would lead to more harmonious labour relations which will benefit all sides, as well as the province as a whole.”

“It is time for government to get engaged in the process and support the working people of this province. Government needs to send a message to multi-national corporations that their business is welcome in this province but that the people of this province, who provide the labour to these companies, must be treated with respect,” stated Furlong.

The strike at Labatt Brewing Company (Labatt) is dragging on into its eighth month due to the use of strikebreakers.

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For further information please contact:

Keith Dunne, NAPE Campaigns and Communications Coordinator

(phone) 709.570.2501            

(cell) 709.631.9737                

(e-mail) kdunne@nape.nf.ca