Improved Labour Legislation Reflects Employer-Employee Collaboration

Government brought forward two important Bills during the fall sitting of the House of Assembly in support of a series of positive changes to modernize the province�s labour legislation and improve the overall efficiency of the Labour Relations Board (LRB). On December 12, 2006, Bill 55, containing amendments to the Labour Relations Act and Bill 68 � amendments to the Public Service Collective Bargaining Act received Royal Assent.

The two Bills reflect a productive collaboration between employer and employee organizations and government and a mutual commitment to improve labour legislation as it pertains to the operation, rules and procedures governing the LRB. These changes will assist the LRB to become a more efficient and effective labour tribunal in a manner consistent with other Canadian jurisdictions and the rulings of the Court.

�These amendments are a proactive and positive step forward in keeping both the Labour Relations Act and the Public Service Collective Bargaining Act up to date,� said the Honourable Paul Shelley, Minister of Human Resources, Labour and minister responsible for the Labour Relations Agency. �I am pleased to note that the successful passing of both of these Bills is the result of the hard work and consensus building efforts of employer and employee groups in this province.�

In 2004, the LRB released a discussion paper with respect to possible amendments. Feedback was sought and received from stakeholders across a wide range of issues including; board composition, board hearing procedures, issues relating to good faith representation, and bargaining unit reviews. In response, government brought forward a set of amendments built from the collective recommendations arising from these consultations.

�I am delighted that all stakeholders were able to provide meaningful input on these important amendments,� said Minister Shelley. �Government is looking forward to continuing this process and working with employer and employee organizations as we embark upon on a more comprehensive review of the Labour Relations Act in 2007.�

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Media contact:
Ed Moriarity
Director of Communications
Human Resources, Labour and Employment
709-729-4062, 728-9623
edmoriarity@gov.nl.ca

2006 12 22                                           10:35 a.m.