GOVERNMENT PASSES ESSENTIAL SERVICES ACT

Today the Saskatchewan Government passed Bill 5, The Public Services Essential Services Act.

Saskatchewan people can have peace of mind that their health and safety will not be put at risk during labour disruptions.

Advanced Education, Employment and Labour Minister Rob Norris said the new legislation provides balance in Saskatchewan's labour environment.

"The new essential services law will protect the health and safety of Saskatchewan people while maintaining the rights of unionized workers," Norris said. "In the event of a strike, this legislation ensures that essential services are provided so the public is not put at risk."

In the final vote in the Legislature today, government MLAs voted to pass the essential services bill while opposition MLAs voted against it.

The essential services legislation applies to unionized workplaces that provide a public service and includes four categories:

• Danger to life, health or safety;
• Destruction of equipment or premises;
• Serious environmental damage; and
• Disruption of the courts.

"Essential services legislation is about protecting and ensuring the public interest," Norris said. "Ensuring that essential services are provided in the event of a strike is an important step in securing the future for all Saskatchewan people."

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For more information, contact:

Gladys Wasylenchuk
Advanced Education, Employment and Labour
Regina
Phone: 306-787-4156