Mr. Speaker, I said publicly in this House on Friday that I would speak against this bill to amend the Public Service Act. Mr. Speaker, as a former UNW local president
and a former member of the UNW bargaining team, I think I understand the ramifications of this act. The carrot in the act was to give the union the right to strike. But the government proposes to set out a process for the making of agreements to identity which are essential services and which employees of the bargaining unit are required to work during a strike. Thus, the process will negate many members of the bargaining unit to actually strike.
Mr. Speaker, the amendment also provides that the renewal provisions in the current collective agreements are no longer in effect. This will ensure that the bargaining units will have to negotiate a collective agreement with one hand tied behind their back. Mr. Speaker, this act would also establish bargaining units and clarity which positions are excluded from collective bargaining. This means that many of the people who are now included under individual bargaining units could be excluded. The amendments to the act also mean that the disagreements arising from collective bargaining will no longer be referred to an arbitrator. Mr. Speaker, this change will mean that independent dispute reconciliation methods will no longer be present, giving the employer an unfair advantage over the employees.
Mr. Speaker, it would seem to me that the changes in the Public Service Act have been tailored to emasculate the union. Mr. Speaker, the amendments asked for will consequentially mean that the Legislative Assembly and Executive Council Act, the Northwest Territories Teachers' Association Act and the Union of Northern Workers Act will also have to be amended. Thus, the proposed amendments to the act will have far- reaching effects.
Mr. Speaker, everyone in the NWT now realizes the depth of our financial problems. Everyone in the NWT realizes that there will have to be cutbacks. Everyone in the NWT also realizes that the way the GNWT does business will have to change. Mr. Speaker, I also agree and know these things. However, Mr. Speaker, I feel that the collective bargaining process should be carried through its culmination, and to introduce this act is a provocation to our employees.
Mr. Speaker, the government knew last summer that it was facing a severe budget shortfall. It is my opinion that the government should have begun discussion with our unions and our public service at that time to work out common solutions to fiscal situation. This was not done and now the 13th Assembly is put in a very difficult situation.
Mr. Speaker, the window of opportunity for the 13th Assembly to balance its budget and to get our fiscal house in order is narrowing, Mr. Speaker, I realize this and I also realize that the changes in the Public Service Act are made to make this so. Mr. Speaker, the far-ranging effects of this one act cannot be contemplated in one day or one week. Bill 2, An Act to Amend the Public Service Act, being introduced before the public service bargaining units sit down to negotiate with the government sets a dangerous precedent for the collective bargaining process in the Northwest Territories.
Mr. Speaker, the history of organized labour in the Northwest Territories has been a colourful one. In the 1990s and the upcoming 21st century, unions will still be needed to provide the checks and balances that are needed in our northern workplaces. After these changes are implemented, the public service union of our employees will be a shadow of its former sell, and that will be a poor legacy for the 13th Assembly.
Mr. Speaker, I request a recorded vote on the proposed amendment, when it comes to a vote in this House. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.