Yesterday, Monday June 2, 2014, the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador introduced brand new (and unexpected) amendments to the Labour Relations Act (the Act). The full text of the proposed amendment can be accessed here. If it is passed, Bill 22 would amend the Act in several notable ways:

  • Amending the certification process to remove the possibility of card-based automatic;
  • Removing the requirement for the parties to formally request a conciliation board;
  • Rearranging and restating provisions relating to conciliation proceedings, strikes, and lockouts.

What does Bill 22 do?

Bill 22 reverses substantial changes to the certification process introduced in June 2012. The most significant change in 2012 was the introduction of a card-based certification system, granting automatic union certification where 65% or more of the employees in the bargaining unit sign a union membership card. The 40% threshold to trigger a certification vote was maintained in 2012.

The proposed 2014 amendments remove the automatic certification provision and return the Act to its former, vote-based certification model. A vote will only occur where there is more than 40% support for the union, based on a review of union membership cards signed and submitted to the Labour Relations Board.

Bill 22 also replaces the entirety of Parts V and VI of the Act, which deal with conciliation proceedings and strikes/lockouts, respectively. The changes relate to a more significant emphasis on conciliation proceedings, and removal of the requirement to request that conciliation proceedings take place.

What does this mean for you?

To date, Bill 22 has received only its first of three readings in the House of Assembly. Second reading is set to take place today, June 3, 2014. We will be watching the progress of the newly proposed legislation closely, and will provide an update if and when it is passed into law.

If you are currently undergoing certification proceedings, the Bill provides that the current model, including the automatic certification provision, will remain in effect for any certification drive commenced while the current Act is in force.

The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.