Today the Honourable Susan Sullivan, Minister of Human Resources, Labour and Employment, responded to misleading comments by the Leader of the NDP relating to the Provincial Government�s commitment to workers throughout the province.

"Recent statements made by the Leader of the NDP to the effect that this government has not acted on a commitment to introduce replacement worker legislation are not accurate and deserve to be corrected," said the Honourable Susan Sullivan, Minister of Human Resources, Labour and Employment. "This government has never made such a commitment. Along with labour and business, the Provincial Government did commit to undertake a review of provincial labour legislation and we are actively involved in that process. Working together, we are making progress with this extensive and time intensive review."

Minister Sullivan also took offense to Ms. Michael�s statement that the Provincial Government does not care about the workers of this province.

"This government continuously demonstrates our incredible commitment to labour through the signing of new labour agreements that will ensure continued prosperity in Newfoundland and Labrador," added Minister Sullivan. "And certainly the workers in the central region would agree that this government proved its concern for their well-being when it committed to provide financial benefits for workers displaced by the closure of the AbitibiBowater mill. That Ms. Michael would say that this government does not care about workers is truly offensive."

Minister Sullivan also spoke of the Provincial Government�s commitment to ensuring positive employee-employer relations.

"The Williams Government also continues to prove its commitment to the people and workers of Newfoundland and Labrador through our ongoing efforts to ensure a healthy employment relations climate in the province," said Minister Sullivan.

One such example Minister Sullivan noted was legislation recently passed to establish a labour management arbitration committee with the mandate of ensuring high quality and effective arbitration processes under collective agreements. The legislation, An Act to Amend the Labour Relations Act, was introduced into the House of Assembly in April 2008 and came into effect on June 4, 2008.

Minister Sullivan also said that labour, business, and the Provincial Government will continue to work together to ensure that Newfoundland and Labrador�s labour legislation supports optimum employer and employee relations in the province.

Media contact:

Jennifer Collingwood
Director of Communications
Department of Human Resources, Labour and Employment
709-729-0753, 690-2498
jennifercollingwood@gov.nl.ca