LABOUR/WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT--Feedback Sought on Proposed Employment Board Processes

The Department of Labour and Workforce Development is planning to merge six employment-related boards and tribunals into one board this year, and wants feedback on how the board will operate.

A discussion paper released today, July 12, outlines proposed options that would be part of legislation needed for the merger. If approved, the changes could mean faster decisions, lower dispute resolution costs and more consistent processes.

"We committed to Nova Scotians that the government would live within its means and streamlining boards will help us accomplish that goal," said Labour and Workforce Development Minister Marilyn More. "These changes will not prevent anyone from bringing a dispute before a board."

The boards are the Labour Relations Board, Civil Service Employee Relations Board, Highway Workers' Employee Relations Board, Correctional Facilities Employee Relations Board, Occupational Health and Safety Appeal Panel and Labour Standards Tribunal.

The department is recommending that the new board have the option to appoint one adjudicator instead of a three-member panel. Hearings could be scheduled faster, decisions made more quickly, and expenses would be reduced.

The department could also offer more options for hearings. For example, should the board be able to issue a decision based solely on written submissions?

Video conferencing is another option being considered to reduce the time and expense of travel to a dispute hearing.

Copies of the discussion paper, in English and French, are available at the Department of Labour and Workforce Development website at http://www.gov.ns.ca/lwd. Responses should be mailed, e-mailed or phoned by Sept. 24. Contact information is included on the website.