zoomImage Courtesy: Algoma

The Seafarers’ International Union of Canada (SIU) has called on shipping company Algoma Tankers to “cease illegal strike breaking”.

Namely, after Canadian officers commenced legal strike actions on October 21, Algoma Tankers Limited temporarily employed foreign workers in Canada.

The SIU has also contacted the federal department of Economic & Social Development Canada (ESDC), as the work permits for the foreign crew are in contravention of Canadian labour law.

The Temporary Foreign Worker Program rules set out by ESDC “clearly state that foreign workers cannot be used to replace striking Canadian workers,” according to SIU.

“These vessels should not proceed past their current locations in Canada,” James Given, SIU President, said, adding that the union deems this action as strike breaking and demands Algoma Tankers “cease the use of these two vessels immediately.”

Furthermore, SIU informed that Algoma Tankers has not been paying foreign workers their wages, with some CAD 400,000 owed to crew of vessels Sten Idun and Bro Agnus for the time they have been sailing in Canadian Cabotage.

“Foreign workers must be paid all wages owed to them immediately. We are taking action to ensure Algoma Tankers Ltd. is compliant with both the Temporary Foreign Worker Program and Canadian Cabotage Law,”