Let me come back to the use of replacement workers and the importance of the balance of power. If the current legislation, which was enacted in 1999, permitted the use of replacement workers and yet, conversely, a striking employee had no guarantee he would get his or her job back, then of course, there would be a lack of balance. It would not make sense.
Employers, however, may call on replacement workers when there is a strike. The purpose is not to undermine the union's representational capacity. And the employee, who is on the picket line, returns to his or her position at the end of the dispute.
I'd also like to talk about another aspect of the balance of power. It isn't always easy finding an employee to replace the employee who normally fills that position in a business. This places pressure on the employer. The employer faces the pressure of having to find a competent person to carry out the tasks the striking employee would normally be responsible for.
There is therefore pressure on the employer to settle the dispute and also pressure on union representatives and on the employees who are on strike. During a dispute, business suffers. That is a form of pressure. Workers have to bargain their return to work and, of course, maintain their livelihood and go on with their family lives and their activities in society. That's why the legislation was so carefully considered; a lot of thought went into it.
Your committee will be hearing from about 20 groups, some of which asked to appear before you. I found out that labour and management representatives, and other such witnesses, will have 20 minutes to make their representations. Just 20 minutes! Imagine travelling from Vancouver to appear for a mere 20 minutes before a committee; the witness would have seven minutes to present his or her brief and 13 minutes to answer questions. They are being squeezed in. This shows, in my opinion, a lack of respect towards these representatives who have taken the time to appear before you and explain the pros and cons of this bill.