NLIS 2 July 19, 2000 (Environment and Labour) Consultant appointed to review
labour relations legislation for Environment and Labour Minister Oliver Langdon announced today that government has engaged the services of a labour relations consultant, Morgan Cooper, to begin a consultation process between all interested stakeholders involved in the fabrication sector of the offshore oil industry and major construction projects. Minister Langdon stated the purpose of the consultations is to examine the current labour relations legislation in light of the emerging offshore fabrication sector in this province and Special Project Order legislation to determine if changes are required to ensure a safe, stable and productive workplace for offshore fabrication and future major construction projects. "We have a new offshore oil and gas fabrication sector emerging in this province and it is prudent for us to take this opportunity to review our labour legislation to ensure that it meets the needs of stakeholders for the future," said the minister. Minister Langdon stated that any changes to labour legislation arising from this consultation process would not affect projects currently underway. The minister emphasized the need to be proactive and determine the labour relations legislative needs of this new industry on a go-forward basis. The Minister stated that the consultant will obtain input from stakeholders to ensure the province continues to maximize employment and economic benefits from offshore fabrication work and major construction projects. "Effective labour relations legislation is a key factor in positioning this province to compete for fabrication opportunities offered by this emerging industry," he said. "I have asked Mr. Cooper to meet with labour, management and other interested parties to discuss their views and suggestions as to how workers and management can work in partnership to continue to build Newfoundland�s reputation as a major player in the offshore fabrication industry," said the minister. "I expect the results from these consultations will provide government with the information it needs to continue to develop a positive labour relations environment for future major developments." When this process has been completed, Cooper will review all submissions and presentations and offer recommendations to government. Cooper has a long and extensive career as an arbitrator in the province, as well as a strong academic and vocational background. He is well qualified to take on this responsibility and the minister is confident that all stakeholders will support the department�s efforts in this regard. ATTACHMENT: Terms of Reference Media contact: BACKGROUNDER TERMS OF REFERENCE Purpose Background To date, few undertakings have been declared by government as Special Projects under section 70 of the Labour Relations Act. In the late 1960s, the Churchill Falls Power Project was designated as a Special Project. In 1990, the Lieutenant Governor-in-Council gave Special Project Order declaration for the Hibernia site and in 1997, the Terra Nova Project at Bull Arm was declared a Special Project. These recent designations did not fully meet the intended purpose as both have been the subject of legal challenges. Most recently, workers at the Terra Nova site engaged in work stoppages despite the fact that a Special Project Order was in place. Given these factors, confidence in the Special Project Order legislation has been eroded both from an operational and legal perspective. As such, there is a need to examine the Labour Relations Act accordingly with a view to legislative reform. Statement of Work In completing this work, the consultant will:
The consultant will meet with the Minister of
Environment and Labour, or his designate, and such other persons as the
minister may feel appropriate, during the course of this public consultation
process: Project Schedule The final report will be presented to the minister no later than October 30, 2000. 2000 07 19 1:55 p.m. |
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