The period for a newly certified union to activate memberships was extended from 90 days to six months under an April 6 ministerial order.
And that, says B.C. Liberal labour critic John Martin, is just one example of provincial rules being changed without their having to be justified or debated in the legislature.
Minister of Labour Harry Bains and presiding cabinet member Melanie Mark signed the order in council altering a Labour Relations Code regulation.
The ministry said the changes resulted from a unanimous recommendation of an expert committee following a public consultation process and are part of substantial amendments made to the code at that time.
“This is a part of how we are continuing work to further modernize the labour relations system in B.C.,” the ministry said.
The committee report said many unions said the short validity period of B.C. membership evidence, together with other “modern economy features such as smaller workplaces, variety of shifts, working from home and remote worksites and turnover inhibit organizing efforts.
Membership evidence is valid in Ontario and Canada for one year, in Alberta and Manitoba for six months and in Saskatchewan and the Maritime Provinces for 90 days,” the report said. “On balance, the current 90 day time-frame unduly restricts organizing beyond single sites, particularly in the context of the changes to the economy and workplaces.”
Neither B.C.’s Independent Contractors and Businesses Association nor the B.C. Federation of Labour could be contacted for comment.
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