Canadian labour lawyers blast political firings in Saskatchewan

Top officers of labour relations board ousted by right-wing Saskatchewan Party government of Brad Wall

Regina (4 April 2008) - The Canadian Association of Labour Lawyers has spoken out against the proposal by Saskatchewan's new right-wing government to fire the top officers of the Saskatchewan Labour Relations Board (SLRB).

In an open letter to Saskatchewan Party Premier Brad Wall and Labour Minister Rob Norris, the association says the firings violate the trust the public should be able to have "in a free and democratic society" that its affairs are being governed by an independent and impartial judiciary.

"This applies equally to the specialized administrative tribunals that regulate a diverse range of activities," the letter says. It is signed by association president Michael Cohen and two vice-presidents, Drew Plaxton and Heather Jensen.

"We are greatly concerned by your government's summary termination of the appointments of SLRB chairperson (James) Seibel and Vice-Chairpersons (Angela) Zborosky and (Catherine) Zuck on the 6th of March 2008, all before the end of their scheduled terms and without cause. A new chairperson has been appointed without an open competition being held," the association notes.

"Across Canada, independent tribunals administer labour legislation and regulate the affairs of employers, organized labour and members of trade unions. These tribunals make decisions of fundamental importance to people's jobs, businesses and lives. The composition of the Labour Relations Board ensures the interests of employees and employers are equally represented. Further, the legislation provides for an impartial chairperson and vice-chairpersons."

The association says the firing of legitimate appointees to such boards before their terms expire "for what appear to be political reasons" erodes public confidence.

"For tribunals to be able to interpret laws impartially and without fear of reprisals, security of tenure must be respected. The recent actions of the government have not only called into question the independence and integrity of the Labour Relations Board, but have raised the spectre of political interference in the workings of the tribunal essential to maintaining legal rights in the workplace," it adds.

"The Canadian Association of Labour Lawyers, an organization of more than 300 lawyers who represent the labour movement across Canada, decries this action as an affront not only to the Labour Relations Board, but also to the public and all stakeholders who rely upon the board to make decisions that fundamentally impact upon their livelihood and rights."

NUPGE

The National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE) is one of Canada's largest labour organizations with over 340,000 members. Our mission is to improve the lives of working families and to build a stronger Canada by ensuring that our common wealth is used for the common good. NUPGE