Human Resources, Labour and
Employment
December 22, 2006
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
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