Media Release

For IMMEDIATE Release

May 25, 2017

Labour Law Changes Too Rushed to Be Fair or Friendly to Business

Alberta has enjoyed relative labour stability in recent decades, which has been a key
contributor to the provinces economic prosperity. However, the provincial
governments rushed and limited review of labour and employment standards
legislation risks upsetting that labour stability.

The Edmonton Chamber voiced its concern with the review of the Labour Relations
and Employment Standards Codes as soon as it began, noting that reviews of
similarly complex legislation have taken up to two years to complete and involved
substantial public consultation.

Healthy labour relations depends on good faith, fairness and balance between
employers, workers and unions, said Janet Riopel, President and CEO of the
Edmonton Chamber of Commerce. The rushed process and lack of transparency
with little public reporting does not inspire confidence in the new legislation.

The proposed legislation eliminates the mandatory secret ballot vote for union
certification.

The Chamber urged the Province to keep the mandatory secret ballot, said Riopel.
Every worker should be able to vote their conscience anonymously without fear of
pressure or repercussions.

The proposed legislation also allows for first contract arbitration. The Chamber noted
in its recommendations to government that the first contract negotiated after a
union is certified is critical since it sets the base minimum for all future negotiations.

Its always better for unions and employers to reach an agreement together, rather
than have one imposed through arbitration, said Riopel. We hope the Alberta
Labour Relations Board will allow first contract arbitration only if all other options,
including mediation, have been exhausted.

The Chamber is also concerned with a change to the Employment Standards Code,
which will give banked overtime at a rate of time-and-a-half instead of as straight
time.

Using banked overtime is currently a win-win, allowing employers to save on costs

and employees to get more time off work, said Riopel. In this fragile economic
climate, this change will likely result in employers cutting back on overtime, so
employees will lose out.

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The Chamber was pleased with provisions of the legislation that will improve the
operations of the Alberta Labour Relations Board.

Making the Alberta Labour Relations Board more efficient will save time and money
for everyoneemployers, unions, and taxpayers, said Riopel.

The proposed legislation also aligns leave periods with the provisions of Employment
Insurance. Most employers provide much more generous leaves than the minimum
legal requirement, so this proposed change makes sense.

For more information, view the Chambers recommendations, Maintaining Balance

and Fairness in Albertas Labour Relations Code.

The Edmonton Chamber of Commerce, the official voice of business in the Capital
Region, is one of the largest Chambers in Canada. The Edmonton Chamber proudly
serves its 2,291 members, representing over 111,000 employees, to achieve its mission
of creating the best environment for business.

Media contact:
Sheila Keenan
Cell: 780-446-6264
skeenan@edmontonchamber.com

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