OTTAWA, ONTARIO, November 4, 2010 -Yesterday, the Honourable Lisa Raitt, Canada's Labour Minister, took action to help ensure both parties in the British Columbia Ports dispute reach a new collective agreement by referring the matter to the Canada Industrial Relations Board (CIRB). The negotiations in question are between the British Columbia Maritime Employers Association and the International Longshore and Warehouse Union Canada (Foremen and Longshoremen).
"Our government is committed to protecting Canada's prosperity," said Minister Raitt. "Unions and employers must work together to reach new collective agreements."
The Minister of Labour has referred to the CIRB the question of whether the parties are in compliance with Section 50 of the Canada Labour Code, which states that where parties have given notice to bargain, they must bargain in good faith and make every reasonable effort to enter into a collective agreement. The CIRB is responsible for assessing whether the parties are making every reasonable effort to enter into collective agreements.
"The Government of Canada has made significant attempts to bring the parties together to reach collective agreements at this crucial economic hub," said Minister Raitt. "I have taken further action by utilizing my Ministerial powers pursuant to section 107 of the Canada Labour Code. I have formally requested the CIRB to examine the West Coast ports situation in an effort to ensure that the flow of goods and services are not put in jeopardy."
The CIRB is a representational, independent administrative tribunal. Its mandate is to interpret and apply the provisions of Part I of the Canada Labour Code dealing with collective bargaining and unfair labour practices. For more information on the Canada Industrial Relations Board, please visit www.cirb-ccri.gc.ca.
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For further information (media only):
Jocelyne Turner
Press Secretary
Office of Minister Raitt
819-953-5646
Media Relations Office
H uman Resources and Skills
Development Canada
819-994-5559
