News release: Business groups make joint submission to Labour Code Review Panel

For Immediate Release
March 20, 2018

VANCOUVER, B.C. — The Greater Vancouver Board of Trade has joined 12 other business organizations from across the province in endorsing a joint submission to the B.C. Labour Relations Code Review Panel.

Together, our groups are concerned about potential changes to the Labour Code, given that our province has experienced a long period of labour relations stability with very few work stoppages.

“Given the labour peace over the past decade and the largely functional relationships and institutions, we are urging the Review Panel to tread very lightly,” said Iain Black, President and CEO of the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade.

“Our groups are also collectively concerned about the layering on of costs — both regulatory and transactional — for the employers who drive our provincial economy and create jobs across British Columbia, including the 5,000+ Members of the Board of Trade across the Lower Mainland.”

Workplaces have evolved and continue to change rapidly as technology, and new generations of workers demand flexibility, choice, and innovative workplaces. Any changes to the Labour Code need to ensure that opportunities for B.C.’s economy to attract investment, talent and jobs are not compromised in the process.

The submission calls for the vast majority of the Labour Relations Code’s provisions to be sustained, including the current approach to union certification by secret ballot vote.

The joint submission was made by the BC Chamber of Commerce, BC Hotels Association, Canadian Federation of Independent Businesses, Canadian Franchise Association, Canadian Home Builders Association, Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters, Greater Vancouver Board of Trade, Independent Contractors and Businesses Association, New Car Dealers Association of BC, Restaurants Canada, Retail Council of Canada, Tourism Industries Association of BC, and the Urban Development Institute.

Read the full submission here.

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About the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade:

Since its inception in 1887, the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade has been recognized as Pacific Canada’s leading business association, engaging members to impact public policy at all levels of government and to succeed and prosper in the global economy. With a Membership whose employees comprise one-third of B.C.’s workforce, we are the largest business association between Victoria and Toronto. We leverage this collective strength, facilitating networking opportunities, and providing professional development through four unique Signature Programs. In addition, we operate one of the largest events programs in the country, providing a platform for national and international thought leaders to enlighten B.C.’s business leaders.