POLLING SHOWS SUPPORT FOR LABOUR BILLS

The government's two labour bills have the strong support of Saskatchewan people, according to a poll conducted by Sigma Analytics for the Leader Post. The recent Sigma poll looked at six elements in the proposed Essential Services legislation and amendments to the Trade Union Act.

The poll showed 70 per cent support for the provision that management and unions be required to negotiate in advance which jobs are to be maintained in a strike. There was nearly 75 per cent support for the idea of requiring a secret ballot for voting on whether or not to have a union.

"The results of this poll are encouraging, but not surprising," Advanced Education, Employment and Labour Minister Rob Norris said. "Our government is building a labour environment that balances the rights of workers and employers with the safety and health of the Saskatchewan people. These results are generally what I have been hearing from people right across the province - that there is broad support for the legislation we introduced.

"The people of this province are our number one reason for moving forward with both pieces of legislation. We were elected on a platform of change that was about moving this province forward and sustaining our economic growth. And that is exactly what we're doing."

In December the government introduced The Public Services Essential Services Act and The Trade Union Amendments Act. Both bills are expected to be passed in the current session of the legislature which is expected to wrap up on May 15.

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For more information, contact:

Herman Hulshof
Advanced Education, Employment and Labour
Regina
Phone: 306-787-9715
Email: Herman.Hulshof@gov.sk.ca