Thank you, Mr. Chair.
I move that Bill C-257 in clause 2 be amended by replacing lines 6-10 on page 3 with the following:
(2.4)(a) The Board, in response to an application from any trade union, employer, association or the minister, may amend any agreement or order established under section 87.4 of the Canada Labour Code to ensure the continued delivery of essential services and maintenance of activities and the Board will render their decision within a reasonable period of time.
(b) Such a decision as noted in this section will have the effect of immediately superseding any previous decision, agreement or order by the Board with respect to section 87.4 of the Canada Labour Code and those employees who are designated as essential resulting from this decision will comply with the decision within a reasonable period of time from the date and time the order is issued.
Mr. Chair, there was a great deal of debate on proposed subsection (2.4) in this committee because there was a great inconsistency between the English and French versions of the subsection. There was also some concern that management was only able to do work in relation to conservation measures. I think (2.3) clarified the one I moved forward, and this would add further clarification.