GOVERNMENT INTRODUCED SECOND READING OF LABOUR LEGISLATION

Advanced Education, Employment and Labour Minister Rob Norris introduced second reading of Bill 5, The Public Services Essential Services Act today and indicated extensive consultations on the legislation have resulted in amendments that will proceed to Committee this spring.

"We are building an environment that respects the rights of workers, unions and employers and ensuring that the safety and health of the Saskatchewan people is not put at risk," Norris said. "In the event of a strike, this legislation ensures that essential services are agreed to in advance so the public is not put in jeopardy."

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;

The consultation process took place in January and February and involved meetings with nearly one hundred employer and employee representatives, as well as, numerous detailed submissions from stakeholders and the general public.

"The consultation process was extremely productive in identifying areas where we could enhance the legislation's effectiveness," Norris said. "The amendments to Bill 5 do not change the spirit and intent of the legislation or the requirements that essential services are available to the public during work stoppages."

"This is vital legislation and we look forward to this new era of fairness as the Bill comes into effect this spring," Norris said.

To find out more about the proposed legislation, visit www.aeel.gov.sk.ca.

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For more information, contact:

Donna-Rae Crooks
Advanced Education, Employment and Labour
Regina
Phone: 306-787-3716
Email: dcrooks@lab.gov.sk.ca
Cell: 306-527-5643