BILL 42 – 2002
LABOUR RELATIONS CODE AMENDMENT ACT, 2002

HER MAJESTY, by and with the advice and consent of the Legislative Assembly of the Province of British Columbia, enacts as follows:

1 Section 2 is repealed and the following substituted:

Duties under this Code

2 The board and other persons who exercise powers and perform duties under this Code must exercise the powers and perform the duties in a manner that

(a) recognizes the rights and obligations of employees, employers and trade unions under this Code,

(b) fosters the employment of workers in economically viable businesses,

(c) encourages the practice and procedures of collective bargaining between employers and trade unions as the freely chosen representatives of employees,

(d) encourages cooperative participation between employers and trade unions in resolving workplace issues, adapting to changes in the economy, developing workforce skills and developing a workforce and a workplace that promotes productivity,

(e) promotes conditions favourable to the orderly, constructive and expeditious settlement of disputes,

(f) minimizes the effects of labour disputes on persons who are not involved in those disputes,

(g) ensures that the public interest is protected during labour disputes, and

(h) encourages the use of mediation as a dispute resolution mechanism.

2 Section 6 (1) is amended by striking out "An" and substituting "Except as otherwise provided in section 8, an".

3 Section 8 is repealed and the following substituted:

Right to communicate

8 Subject to the regulations, a person has the freedom to express his or her views on any matter, including matters relating to an employer, a trade union or the representation of employees by a trade union, provided that the person does not use intimidation or coercion.

4 Section 83 (1) is repealed and the following substituted:

(1) The Collective Agreement Arbitration Bureau is continued consisting of a director designated by the chair and other employees of the board designated by the director.

5 Section 105 (3) is amended by striking out "must" and substituting "may".

6 Section 116 (2) is repealed and the following substituted:

(2) The chair may designate one or more vice chairs as associate chairs for either or both of the Mediation and Adjudication Divisions, and designate another vice chair as a registrar of the board.

7 Section 121 (2) is repealed and the following substituted:

(2) The chair may delegate to the associate chairs, the registrar or one or more of the other members a power, duty or function of the board or of the director.

8 Section 159 (2) is amended by adding the following paragraphs:

(b.1) respecting presentations by employers and trade unions related to votes under this Code;

(e) establishing and authorizing fees to be payable for any services provided by the board or its staff under this Code.

Commencement

9 This Act comes into force by regulation of the Lieutenant Governor in Council.