Released on March 10, 2009
Legislation Will Give Employers and Employees the Freedom to Choose
The Government of Saskatchewan has introduced amendments to The Construction Industry Labour Relations Act, 1992 (CILRA) that will expand freedom of choice for workers and employers and help sustain Saskatchewan's economic momentum.
"Our construction industry requires fair, flexible and effective labour laws to help keep Saskatchewan's economy strong during this time of uncertainty," Advanced Education, Employment and Labour Minister Rob Norris said. "This legislation will lead to increased construction activity by giving employers and workers the freedom to establish their own collective bargaining arrangements."
Under the current version of the CILRA, companies are required to belong to a representative employers' organization (REO), which bargains on their behalf. The legislation designates unions to represent workers in particular trades. The legislation prohibits a single employer or union from negotiating a separate collective agreement, with all bargaining taking place between REOs and unions designated by the government.
The restrictive nature of the legislation has prevented some unions and discouraged some companies from participating in Saskatchewan's construction industry.
The amendments to the CILRA will:
- Allow a trade union to organize a company on a multi-trade, or "all employee" basis, as well as on a craft, or single trade basis;
- Enable any trade union to certify an employer;
- Allow employers to choose the REO that will represent them;
- Allow an employer operating outside an REO to negotiate a collective agreement for the duration of a specific project;
- Give the Saskatchewan Labour Relations Board the authority to investigate complaints that a union has abandoned its bargaining rights;
- Give the Labour Relations Board the right to revoke a union's certification on the basis of an abandonment claim; and
- Change the definition of "construction industry" to remove the reference to "maintaining" a building or structure.
Norris said the existing legislation was an impediment to growth in the province's construction industry. He said the amendments will attract additional companies into the province to help build Saskatchewan's infrastructure.
"Too many construction projects in Saskatchewan have been delayed because of a shortage of skilled labour," Norris said. "With the government's record spending on infrastructure and strong private-sector investment, we need a growing construction industry to handle a work load that should be heavy for years to come."
Norris said the government will solicit public feedback on the legislation and conduct consultations with key stakeholders during the summer.
Feedback on the legislation can be provided by email to labourlegislationaeel@gov.sk.ca or in writing to the following address:
Deputy Minister Wynne Young
Advanced Education, Employment and Labour
11th Floor, 1945 Hamilton Street
Regina, SK, S4P 2C8
www.labour.gov.sk.ca
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For more information, contact:
James Parker
Advanced Education, Employment and Labour
Regina
Phone: 306-787-3370
Email: james.parker@gov.sk.ca