For Immediate Release
November 18, 2024
NL NDP Leader Jim Dinn (St. John’s Centre) and NDP MHA Jordan Brown (Labrador West) continue to challenge government on their idea of balance when it comes to labour. They questioned government today over the clear favouritism it shows to businesses over workers.
Last week the Minister Responsible for Labour responded to NDP questions about how long it takes the Labour Relations Board to count union certification votes by saying, “This government is committed to ensuring that labour legislation in this province remains relevant and responsive to the needs of workers and workplaces.”
The legislation states, “Where a vote is taken it shall be taken no more than 5 days, excluding holidays and weekends, after receipt by the board of the application for certification.” Union representatives say the wait is at least three weeks and has taken as long as six and a half. Brown asked, “Is breaking the law of legislation the Minister’s idea of remaining relevant and responsive?”
Brown also questioned government’s sense of “balance” between workers and employers. The Minister continues to say that this government is balancing the needs of workers and businesses, but workers in this province do not feel the same. “Why does this government continue to tip the scale in favour of employers?”
Dinn brought up the disrespectful heckling by a Liberal member about nurse practitioners, brought to light by the Registered Nurses Union last week. “Whether it’s the delays in pay equity and transparency, the refusal to implement anti-scab legislation or a review the Labour Relations Board all prove this. So, I ask the Premier, Why does his government pretend to care about workers?”
Dinn says a government that actually cared about working people would amend legislation to include card-check certification and forbid scab workers during labour disputes and would listen to unions to address issues at the Labour Relations Board.
-30-
For further information, contact Stephanie Curran, Media and Communications Officer, NDP Caucus at 330-0328 (o), or stephaniecurran@gov.nl.ca
Kommentare