August 16, 2000
AMENDMENTS TO BILL 44
INTRODUCED BY BARRETT
- - -
Minister Notes Changes Arose
From Public Debate And Dialogue
Amendments to Bill 44, the Labour Relations Amendment Act, will be introduced today by Labour Minister Becky Barrett.
"The government introduced changes to the Labour Relations Act to restore the balance in labour relations in Manitoba," said Barrett. "Advance consultations with the Labour Management Review Committee had resulted in a consensus on many items such as clarifying the use of union dues for political purposes and improving the access of union members to financial information about their union.
"Proposed changes to the right of employees to be reinstated following a strike or lockout, the provisions governing the certification of unions and the alternative dispute settlement process to deal with protracted work stoppages have proven to be more controversial.
"We have heard from many business people, unionists and members of the general public. Over 70 people appeared before the legislative committee to share their views and offer their ideas. This dialogue has resulted in several suggestions to improve the original draft of this important legislation," Barrett said.
Highlights of the amendments are:
- clarifying that violent or criminal activity on a picket line will not be permitted;
- giving the union and the employer equal access to the alternative dispute settlement process for strikes or lockouts that last over 60 days, and giving the Labour Board the authority to ensure that the party requesting the alternative dispute settlement process has, in fact, bargained seriously;
- providing for a timely review of the alternative dispute settlement process to ensure that it is being applied in a fair and reasonable manner;
- allowing employees expanded access to expedited arbitration to resolve grievances in a more timely manner; and
- clarifying and emphasizing the right of workers to make decisions free of intimidation and coercion during the certification process.
"There has been a full, open and vigorous debate on Bill 44. We have listened to the ideas put forward and are now making amendments that will make the legislation--and Manitoba's labour relations climate--even more fair and balanced," Barrett said.
- 30 -