On July 30, 2012 the United Association of Journeymen and Apprentices of the Plumbing and Pipefitting Industry of the United States and Canada Local 179 submitted the attached brief entitled “A Saskatchewan Employment Code: Neither Fair Nor Balanced” in response to the Government of Saskatchewan’s request for feedback on its proposals for a consolidated Saskatchewan Employment Code.

United Association Local 179 appreciated the opportunity to provide feedback in this consultation but has grave reservations about the process and the potential implications.

United Association Local 179 makes a number of points throughout the submission including:

·         The government fails to appreciate the unique characteristics of our industry and our workplaces. Before the government undertakes massive change to the current system of labour relations in the province, it is important to understand the unique characteristics of industry and the unions who provide their workforce. Without this understanding, government runs the distinct risk of making mistakes that will have unintended harmful consequences for the sector where there has not been a construction strike or labour disturbance in 20 years.  

·         The consultation process is deeply flawed and far too short for the scope of the job. This process clearly suggests decisions have already been made and work is going on right now before the conclusion of the 90-day consultation period.

·         The government needs to reconsider its proposal and deal only with the single issue that is time sensitive – essential services – and leave the balance of the labour legislation alone.

·         Government needs to concentrate on funding apprenticeship, expanding SIAST’s capacity to train apprentices, and preparing more Aboriginal young people for success in the trades.

If you wish to send a message to the Government to let them know what you think of the proposed consolidated Employment Code and how important the building trades are to Saskatchewan, the Saskatchewan Provincial Building Trades Council has set up a website to make it easy to contact the Government at http://buildingabetterfuture.ca/.

Unemployed Workers Help Centre If you hear family, friends, neighbors', etc mentioning they are or someone they know is having issues with EI, you can tell them that there is an outfit, the UWHC, which is supported by your union that gives help to any worker having trouble with their EI claim. Check out the website by clicking the link below: http://www.unemployedworkerscentre.org/