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NEWS RELEASE
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For Immediate Release November 19, 2009 |
Ministry of Labour
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INQUIRY COMMISSION APPOINTED FOR AMBULANCE SERVICE
VICTORIA – An Industrial Inquiry Commission has been appointed under the B.C. Labour Relations Code to examine the B.C. ambulance service, led by Chris Trumpy, a former B.C. deputy minister of finance, Labour Minister Murray Coell announced today.
In addition to an examination of the collective bargaining structure in the ambulance service, a number of items specifically requested by the union local representing paramedics and dispatchers have been incorporated in the commission’s terms of reference. These are: staff recruitment, training and retention; staff workload and occupational health and safety issues; and deployment strategies in comparison with other Canadian ambulance service delivery models.
The commission will also investigate and report on paramedic compensation across Canadian jurisdictions.
The labour minister expressed concern regarding reports that the union local would not participate in the commission process. “It was the local that initially suggested the need for the IIC,” Coell said. “I would encourage them to reconsider the decision and join in this process to help identify and expedite options to fix the broken collective bargaining structure that might guide the next round of negotiation.”
Coell also announced that the date for the commission to report back to government is Jan. 15, 2010.
“I am very pleased that Mr. Trumpy has accepted this very challenging appointment.” Coell said. “His exemplary record of public service under multiple administrations and proven ability in dealing with complex issues will ensure that this process is undertaken with both integrity and excellence.”
Mr. Trumpy joined the B.C. public service in 1979 and served as a deputy minister from 1998 until his retirement earlier this year. In his last two years in government, Trumpy was deputy minister in the Ministry of Finance and secretary to treasury board.
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Contact:
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Gordon Williams Communications Director Ministry of Labour 250 387-3134 |
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BACKGROUNDER
November 19, 2009 Ministry of Labour
PROVINCE OF BRITISH COLUMBIA
Ministry of Labour
NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT OF AN
INDUSTRIAL INQUIRY COMMISSION
In a Matter Between
EMERGENCY HEALTH SERVICES COMMISSION
-and-
CANADIAN UNION OF PUBLIC EMPLOYEES, LOCAL 873
WHEREAS Section 79 of the Labour Relations Code (the Code) provides that the Minister of Labour may cause to be made such inquiries as he considers advisable respecting labour relations matters and may do the things he considers necessary to maintain or secure labour relations stability and promote conditions favourable to the settlement of disputes;
AND WHEREAS the current Collective Agreement between the parties, which was established by the Ambulance Services Collective Agreement Act on November 7, 2009 after a collective bargaining dispute that lasted over seven (7) months, expires on March 31, 2010;
AND WHEREAS ambulance services are designated as an essential service under Section 72 of the Code;
AND WHEREAS it is in the interest of all British Columbians that a collective bargaining structure be in place in the future for ambulance services that promotes the voluntary settlement of the Collective Agreement and that reduces the risk of future work stoppages and the resulting impact on the public;
AND WHEREAS during collective bargaining in 2009, the parties agreed on the need for a third party review;
AND WHEREAS the Ministry of Health Services intends to review the options for the service delivery model for ambulance services;
AND WHEREAS I, as Minister of Labour, announced on November 3, 2009 my intention to appoint an Industrial Inquiry Commission in which I would consult with the parties on the appropriate terms of reference for a third party review;
NOW THEREFORE, pursuant to Section 79 of the Labour Relations Code and in the public interest, I hereby appoint
Chris Trumpy
as an Industrial Inquiry Commission:
1. On or before January 15, 2010, the Industrial Inquiry Commission will prepare a non-binding report for the Minister of Labour that provides options to the Province for an appropriate collective bargaining structure that support the efficient and effective delivery of ambulance services through different service delivery and operational models. The collective bargaining structure must support the means for effective resolution of collective bargaining impasses. Possible service delivery and operational models that the Industrial Inquiry Commission should consider and evaluate in relation to collective bargaining structure include the following:
· The delivery of ambulance services by way of an independent commission under the Emergency and Health Services Act (status quo);
· The transfer of ambulance services to the Health Sector as either an independent commission or integrated into an existing service delivery structure in accordance with the Health Authorities Act;
· Service redesign to facilitate greater alignment with Municipal fire services.
2. The Industrial Inquiry Commission will also investigate and prepare options regarding the following issues:
· Staff recruitment, training, and retention;
· Staff workload and occupational health and safety issues;
· Deployment strategies in comparison with other Canadian ambulance service delivery models;
· The models and rates of total compensation for ambulance paramedics and dispatchers applied by other jurisdictions in Canada based on: (a) wages; (b) premiums for hours worked and hours on-call in rural and remote areas; (c) benefits, including health and welfare benefits and pension plan; and
· Any other related matter referred to the Industrial Inquiry Commission by mutual agreement of the parties.
3. The Industrial Inquiry Commission may issue an interim report.
4. The Industrial Inquiry Commission shall determine its own procedure as it deems necessary and advisable for the proper and efficient carrying out of its mandate.
GIVEN UNDER MY HAND at Victoria, British Columbia, this 19th day of November, 2009.
Murray Coell
Minister
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