Labour Relations Code Review (2018)
Engagement Summary
After a thorough public engagement and consideration of the feedback received, amendments to the Labour Relations Code were introduced on April 30, 2019.
The Labour Relations Code establishes the relationships between labour and management – how workers join unions, how employers and unions interact, and how collective bargaining disputes are resolved. The last full review of the Code took place in 1992.
A panel of special advisors was appointed to undertake a review of British Columbia’s Labour Relations Code. After a public engagement and extensive research, the panel submitted a final report to government. The panel’s review focused on ensuring B.C.’s unionized workplaces are supported by fair laws for workers and businesses that are consistent with the labour rights and protections enjoyed by other Canadians.
The Recommendations for Amendments to the Labour Relations Code report made 29 recommendations, covering a wide range of topics such as union certification processes, dispute resolution, successorship, unfair labour practices, and arbitration procedures. The report was publicly released on October 25, 2018.
Feedback on the panel’s report and recommendations was accepted by email until November 30, 2018.
Engagement Timeframes
Phase One: February 19 to April 24, 2018
Phase Two: October 24 to November 30, 2018
Input Received
Phase One:
- 83 presentations were made at ten regional meetings held in 9 locations throughout B.C. including: Victoria, Courtenay, Prince George, Kelowna, Kamloops, Cranbrook, Terrace, Surrey and Vancouver (two meetings were held)
- 108 submissions, 19 replies (representing 26 organizations) and 94 emails were received
The written submissions (PDF, 23MB) from phase one are available online.
Phase Two:
- 49 email submissions were received
The written submissions from phase two are available online.
Input leads to action:
The input was considered, alongside further targeted consultations with key stakeholder groups, and informed government’s decisions on the report’s recommendations and subsequent amendments to the Code.