CFIB Concerned with Anti-Business Legislation
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Open Letter
To the Premier
Open Letter
To Minister More
Nova Scotia has plenty of challenges: high unemployment, an aging population, out-migration of youth, rural communities in decline, low levels of economic growth, lagging productivity. And it's grappling with all of this during a time of global financial turmoil. Yet here we are talking about making it easier to unionize by introducing First Contract Arbitration.
First Contract Arbitration is widely-viewed as a pro-union measure that makes certification easier because it takes the threat of a strike/lockout OFF the table during that first all-important round of negotiations by forcing an arbitrated settlement, rather than one that is negotiated by both parties. CFIB is puzzled why this is even a consideration given the harmonious labour relations environment we enjoy. We simply do not have a problem that needs fixing.
We have shared these views in every aspect of the process: in our correspondence with the department, during the study day, in our efforts to reach out to employer representatives on the Labour Management Review Committee (LMRC) and to the LMRC itself - to which we presented. We participated in all aspects of the process given the weight and importance government put on consultation, most of which has been driven by the LMRC. We did so despite the fact this committee is in no way representative of our province's workplaces as its members represent union-only employers and employees. Sadly, the decision to ignore the committee's dilemma and its inability to reach a consensus on FCA has undermined the committee's credibility.
We want government to focus on real issues rather than wasting time finding solutions to problems that don't exist and, in the process, creating new ones for you.
If First Contract Arbitration could impact your business, let us know! Contact our business resource counsellor at 1-888-234-2232 or ms.ns@cfib.ca
