SECOND READING FOR HEALTH LABOUR RELATIONS REORGANIZATION ACT

Released on June 19, 1996

Labour Minister Doug Anguish today introduced The Health Labour
Relations Reorganization Act for second reading in the Legislature.

"The legislation was requested by both employers and unions in the
health sector," Anguish said. "It provides for the appointment of a
commissioner to examine and make regulations on the complex labour
relations issues which have arisen as a result of restructuring of the
health sector.

The legislation directs the commissioner to consider, among other
things:

The new employment relationships that have and will be
established in the health care sector as a result of
restructuring under The Health Districts Act.

The need to promote integration of health care delivery.

The need to enable the development over time of provincial
consistency in terms and conditions of employment.

"The appointment of a commissioner provides a means to have an
independent, objective look at the outstanding labour relations issues
in the health sector and resolve them fairly and effectively," Anguish
said. "The health system is changing and the collective bargaining
structures must reflect that change.

"I want to commend the Saskatchewan Association of Health Organizations
and the unions that represent their employees for their good faith and
willingness to work together in common cause."


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Tim Kydd
Media Services
Regina
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