A ministerial regulation establishing timelines for Labour Relations Board decisions will ensure timely resolution of workplace disputes, Minister of Labour, Citizens' Services and Open Government Margaret MacDiarmid announced.

Labour Relations Board decisions will need to be managed within 180 days from the date an application is filed ensuring workplace disputes are quickly resolved. The new 180-day timeline includes the time to make submissions, conduct oral hearings and finalize the decision-making process involving matters under the Labour Relations Code.

Extensions to the timelines can be approved by the chair in specific cases, such as to allow the parties to engage in settlement discussions, collective bargaining or to allow the board to wait for the conclusion of matters before the courts.

The timeline is effective for all applications received on or after Sept. 1, 2012, to allow the board and the community to prepare for the implementation of timelines.

Quotes:

Minister of Labour, Citizens' Services and Open Government Margaret MacDiarmid -

"By dealing with labour relations issues under the code in a timely manner, we're reducing the risk of having workplace issues drag on without resolution. That's important to all parties - employees, employers and unions.

"This regulation enhances the service provided to the users of the Labour Relations Board. It also makes British Columbia a leader in Canada in establishing timelines for board decisions."

Learn More:

Read about the role of the B.C. Labour Relations Board at: http://www.lrb.bc.ca/

Contact:

David Greer
Communications Director
Ministry of Labour, Citizens' Services and Open Government
250 387-3134