Labour Board Act merges six boards into one, simplifies handling of workplace disputes
Nova Scotia has introduced legislation to improve labour relations in the province. The Labour Board Act merges six boards into one, simplifies how workplace disputes are handled and establishes a committee to keep labour relations laws relevant.
This would represent a major change in how employers, employees and unions resolve issues, and make decisions faster and more innovative, said Labour and Workforce Development Minister Marilyn More.
"In the past, labour relations has sometimes been adversarial and we think the establishment of a labour management review committee will re-focus both sides on moving forward,” said More. “As well, the new Labour Board will make labour relations more consistent, more efficient and more timely."
If the bill is passed, the Labour Relations Board, the Civil Service Employee Relations Board, the Highway Workers' Employee Relations Board and the Correctional Facilities Employee Relations Board would become the Labour Board in early 2011.
In the following months, the Occupational Health and Safety Appeal Panel and the Labour Standards Tribunal would join the Labour Board.
A full-time labour board chair would be appointed for a five-year term through an order-in-council. Existing board members would sit on the Labour Board until their current term ends and could apply for reappointment.
Other changes would include the elimination of lists that outline the terms of employment that can be sent to arbitration if the parties have no right to strike or a lock-out, and allowing government workers to continue to be represented by a union if their work moves to a private company.
The changes follow a three-and-a-half-month consultation with stakeholders.
