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Human Resources, Labour and Employment
April 4, 2011

Amendments to the Labour Relations Act Designed to
Improve the Collective Bargaining Process

The Provincial Government today announced proposed amendments to the Labour Relations Act designed to improve the collective bargaining process when parties are negotiating their first collective agreement and to improve labour relations during the life of an agreement.

“I am pleased today to present amendments to our provincial labour legislation which represent the first recommendations brought forward by the Employment Relations Committee as part of its review,” said the Honourable Darin King, Minister of Human Resources, Labour and Employment and Minister Responsible for the Labour Relations Agency.

“When it was established, the Employment Relations Committee which has membership from business, labour and government, noted that improving policy and legislation relating to the collective bargaining process is best achieved through a consensus-based approach. They sought and considered submissions from key provincial stakeholder organizations in this regard. The amendments introduced in the legislature today will support improvements in labour relations and promote a more expeditious resolution of first collective agreements.”

The key provisions in the new amendments are:

The proposed amendments represent the first recommendations brought forward by the Employment Relations Committee. Their review of labour legislation is still ongoing. This committee recognizes that not all aspects of a labour management relationship can be legislated and that ensuring the parties have the necessary skills to develop and preserve a positive labour management environment is important.

“The Employment Relations Committee has devoted a significant amount of time and effort to this important initiative and the committee is to be commended,” said Minister King. “I look forward to the amendments passing through the House of Assembly and I also anticipate receiving further recommendations from the committee in the future that will further strengthen our province’s labour relations environment.”

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Media contact:
Bradley Power
Director of Communications
Department of Human Resources, Labour and Employment
709-729-0753, 699-5707
BradleyPower@gov.nl.ca 

2011 04 04                                                       3:20 p.m.

 
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