Le 30 avril 2019, le gouvernement de la Colombie Britannique a annoncé une importante révision prévue du Labour Relations Code.

Le gouvernement de la Colombie Britannique suit les recommandations du Labour Relations Code Review Panel concernant les changements proposés au Labour Relations Code (le « code »).  Le projet de loi 30, la Labour Relations Code Amendment Act, 2019 (le « projet de loi 30 »), a fait l’objet d’une deuxième lecture le 14 mai à l’Assemblée législative de la Colombie Britannique. Sans grande surprise, la majorité des changements sont favorables aux travailleurs.  Le texte qui suit présente un résumé des changements importants proposés dans le projet de loi 30.

Une traduction de ce billet sera disponible prochainement.

The Government of British Columbia announced significant planned revisions to the Labour Relations Code on April 30, 2019.

The British Columbia Government is acting on the recommendations of the Labour Relations Code Review Panel concerning proposed changes to the Labour Relations Code (the “Code”).  Bill 30, the Labour Relations Code Amendment Act, 2019 (“Bill 30”) was given second reading on May 14th in the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia.  Not surprisingly, most of the changes are labour friendly.  The following is a summary of the salient changes being proposed in Bill 30.

Enhanced Ability to Order Remedial Certification

Unions often seek remedial certification as a remedy for unfair labour practices.  The remedy is rarely granted.  With the proposed amendments, the British Columbia Labour Relations Board (the “Board”) will have the express ability to order remedial certification if:

  • an employer is doing or has done an act prohibited by section 5 [prohibition against dismissals, etc., for exercising employee rights], section 6 [unfair labour practices], section 7 [limitations on activities of trade unions], or section 9 [coercion and intimidation] of the Code;
  • the employees affected by the prohibited act are seeking trade union representation; and
  • the Board believes that automatic certification is just and equitable to remedy the consequences of the prohibited act.

This proposed change eliminates the requirement for unions to establish that requisite support for certification would have been obtained had the unfair labour practice not occurred. It is anticipated that this change will result in an increase in the number of remedial certifications granted by the Board. 

More Restrictions on Employer Speech

Bill 30 limits employer free speech to statements of fact or opinion that are reasonably held by the employer regarding its business.  This is a significant departure from the existing right of employers to express its views on any matter (provided that it does not use intimidation or coercion).  As a result, employers will need to be more cautious when communicating with employees to ensure that such communication does not result in an unfair labour practice complaint.  

Extension of Freeze Period and Changes to the First Collective Agreement Process

The period during which an employer is prohibited from altering pay or other terms of employment following certification will be extended from 4 months to 12 months.

Additionally, if an application is made to the Board under section 55 [seeking assistance from a mediator], and the mediation process does not conclude before the end of the 12 month freeze, the employer will not be allowed to alter pay or other terms of employment until the section 55 process has been concluded.

Further, Bill 30 removes the requirement that a strike vote be taken before applying for the appointment of a mediator in connection with a first collective agreement. Additionally, if a union has been automatically certified, the mediator or associate chair will consider the parties’ conduct before and after certification when recommending a process or directing a method to resolve a dispute relating to the conclusion of a first collective agreement.

Time Period for Representation Votes is Reduced

There will be no change to the secret ballot voting system, despite some discussion of a card check system in the recommendations. However, Bill 30 will speed up the representation vote process, providing employers with less time in which to communicate with their employees prior to a representation vote.  A representation vote would now need to be held within 5 business days, instead of 10, unless the vote is conducted by mail in which case it must be conducted as expeditiously as possible.  A representation vote will only be allowed to be conducted by mail if the union and employer agree or the Board is satisfied that exceptional circumstances.

Changes to the Adjustment Plan Process

Bill 30 will allow the union or employer to apply for mediation when the parties cannot agree to an adjustment plan.  Currently, under section 54, if an employer intends to alter the terms, conditions or security of employment of a significant number of employees, it must give at least 60 days’ notice to the union and then must meet in good faith with the union to develop an adjustment plan (without any obligation to develop one).  Bill 30 will allow for the involvement of a mediator to assist the parties in developing an adjustment plan.  If the parties cannot agree to an adjustment plan after mediation, the mediator may make recommendations.  While there is still no requirement to agree to the terms of an adjustment plan, Bill 30 has expanded the process and will likely result in administrative delays and increased costs associated with the introduction of certain changes in the workplace.

Successor Rights and Obligations of Contractors

Bill 30 significantly amends the Code’s successorship provisions. Previously, successor rights and obligations were triggered when a business, or a part of it, was sold, leased, transferred or otherwise disposed of.  Successor rights and obligations were rarely triggered in contracting out or contract re-tendering situations.

Pursuant to Bill 30, successor rights and obligations apply to contractors if one of the contracts outlined below is re-tendered and substantially similar services continue under the direction of another contractor.  This change will have a significant impact on the ability of employers to re-tender the following contracts:

  • building cleaning services;
  • security services;
  • bus transportation services;
  • food services;
  • non-clinical service provided in the health sector; and
  • other services prescribed by regulations pursuant to section 159(2)(f) of the Code.

Penalty Increases

Bill 30 increases the penalty for refusing or neglecting to observe or carry out an order made under the Code from $1,000 to $5,000 for an individual and from $10,000 to $50,000 for a corporation, union or employers’ organization.

Other Notable Changes

Other notable proposed changes include:

  • amending the definition of picketing to expressly exclude lawful consumer leafletting that does not unduly restrict access to, or prevent employees from working at, the place of business;
  • requiring the Minister to appoint a committee of special advisors to undertake a review of the Code and make recommendations;
  • limiting union raiding to the seventh and eighth month in the third year of a collective agreement, or the last year in the term if the collective agreement is for a term of 3 years or less;
  • extending the time period to make an application for the revocation of bargaining rights from 10 months to 12 months following certain events specified in section 33 of the Code;
  • removing public education as a designated essential service;
  • allowing the Board to decline to consider a collective agreement in any proceeding if it is not filed in accordance with section 51;
  • removing the Minister’s authority to establish industry advisory councils but instead allowing the Minister to direct the Board to assist parties with establishing an industry council; and
  • revising the expedited arbitration process.

Final Thoughts

Bill 30 represents a significant, and largely labour friendly, amendment to the Code. We will keep you apprised as Bill 30 progresses. In the meantime, employers should carefully consider the proposed changes and the likely impact on their businesses.

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.