The B.C. Federation of Labour welcomed today's announcement from Gord Nixon, CEO of the Royal Bank of Canada (RBC), that committed RBC to restricting the use of TFWs and restricting the offshoring of Canadian jobs.
“RBC has recognized that Canadians expect Canada’s banks to provide good, family-supporting jobs, in Canada,” said B.C. Federation of Labour President Jim Sinclair. “RBC’s new policy restricting the use of foreign workers is a direct result of action taken by BC's labour movement to protect Canadian jobs."
Following media revelations earlier this year that RBC was outsourcing work to a supplier hiring TFWs, BC's labour movement threatened to withdraw more than $5 billion in union and pension funds on deposit with the bank.
In a press release issued today, RBC announced key policies to ensure Canadians are hired for work with the Bank and its major suppliers:
The bank and its suppliers “will not hire foreign workers from outside of Canada when performing services on behalf of RBC, where a worker eligible to work in Canada is available and able to perform the service;”
- RBC will only use the TFW program in limited circumstances to fill senior executive and skilled positions where no Canadians are available; and
- Offshoring of work will be restricted, and will not be done to capitalize on lower wage costs in other countries.
The Federation will continue discussion with RBC on establishment of an independent monitor to review RBC’s implementation of its new Code of Conduct and further develop policy in this area.
"Canadians, whether through their unions or as individual community members, are prepared to take action to defend local jobs from offshoring and prevent the exploitation of temporary foreign workers," concluded Sinclair.
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Media Availability with Jim Sinclair: 2:00 pm, today, Friday, May 24 at 1025 West Georgia Street (outside of the RBC)
For more information contact: Michael Gardiner 604-436-7030.