The following is being distributed at the request of the Fishing Industry Collective Bargaining Act Review:

Hearings schedule for Review of the Fishing Industry Collective Bargaining Act

David Jones, Q.C., Labour Relations Consultant, today announced a tentative schedule for hearings to review the Fishing Industry Collective Bargaining Act.

"We are committed to ensuring all interested persons are given the opportunity to have input into this process," said Mr. Jones. "These hearings will help us ensure we get a thorough and accurate understanding of the views of stakeholders. In addition to the hearings, we invite stakeholders to contribute thoughts, ideas, suggestions and recommendations for consideration in person, by telephone, by fax, e-mail or web site, using the contact information below. The deadline for receipt of submissions is May 23, 2003."

Mr. Jones was appointed by the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador on March 11, 2003, to review the Fishing Industry Collective Bargaining Act, including the effectiveness of the Final Offer Selection collective bargaining model, and to recommend measures that will enhance long-term labour relations stability in the province�s fishing industry. Mr. Jones is to submit his report to government on June 20, 2003.

Hearings with interested stakeholders will be held, if interest warrants, in the following places:

Interested persons wishing to book a hearing time at the above-noted places should contact the consultant. If no individuals book a hearing for a given place, then that hearing will be canceled. If there is sufficient interest, the consultant will consider holding hearings in other areas. For more information regarding this process or the hearing times, please contact the consultant by any of the following means.

2003 04 10                                        12:25 p.m.