Algoma accused of illegal use of foreign strike breakers
The Canada affiliate of the Seafarers International Union (SIU) of North America has attacked Canadian shipping firm Algoma Tankers for what it calls illegal strike breaking since a work stoppage began on October 21.
Members of the Canadian Merchant Services Guild (CMSG), numbering 54 in total and representing navigation and engineering officers, have withdrawn their labour over stalled contract talks.
SIU says that the work permits for foreign crew being used by Algoma during the strike contravene Canadian labour law.
Canada’s Temporary Foreign Worker Program rules state that such workers cannot be used to replace striking Canadian workers, the union says.
Algoma, based in St Catharines, Ontario, operates a fleet of dry and liquid bulk carriers on the Great Lakes and St Lawrence Waterway.