Fire Police Services Collective Bargaining Act

Ministry of Jobs, Tourism Skills Training, Minister Responsible for Labour The purpose of the Fire and Police Services Collective Bargaining Act Act is to provide access for unions and employers to binding interest arbitration to resolve a collective bargaining dispute. By proceeding to arbitration, the parties are able to maintain the ability to engage in face-to-face negotiations and avoid a strike or lockout which would interrupt the delivery of services critical to the protection of human life and property. The Act has achieved this objective. It should be noted that the majority of municipalities and fire fighter union locals have reached voluntary settlements without resorting to arbitration under the Act. Where arbitration is utilized, the Act contains specific criteria to which an arbitrator must have regard in making hisher decision. These criteria are purposely broad and allow the parties to raise before the arbitrator the appropriate weight to be given to each of them. The Ministry of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training, and Minister Responsible for Labour continues to have no plans to review the Act. The Ministry will, however, continue to actively monitor collective bargaining in the sectors covered by the Act.