Mr. Speaker, part I of the Canada Labour Code establishes the framework for industrial relations and regulates the conduct of collective bargaining in the federal private sector.
This jurisdiction covers the operations of enterprises which fall within the definition of federal work, undertaking or business and includes interprovincial and international rail, road and pipeline transportation, air transportation, shipping, longshoring, grain handling, telecommunications, broadcasting, banking and certain crown corporations.
As the Minister of Human Resources Development indicated on December 5 in responding to an inquiry raised by the hon. member for Manicouagan, part I of the Canada Labour Code, including the issue of replacement workers, is currently being reviewed with the view to modernizing and improving it so that it can better reflect today's realities. Creating a legislative framework which is free of barriers to co-operative labour management relationships also supports the initiative of the Minister of Industry in building a more innovative economy.
The minister has asked a senior assistant deputy minister to undertake the review process. This involves a consultative process with business, labour unions and other affected parties to seek their views. The views expressed during the consultative process will be carefully considered prior to introducing amendments to part I of the Canada Labour Code.
The hon. member for Manicouagan also made reference to a dispute involving Archer Daniels Midland Company, formerly Ogilvie Flour Mills, and the Syndicat national des employés des Minoteries Ogilvie Ltée.
The company and the union are currently negotiating the renewal of their collective agreement which expired on January 31, 1992, and which covers approximately 150 flour mill employees. When the parties were to conclude an agreement with the assistance of a conciliation officer appointed by the minister they were placed in a strike-lockout position. The union membership began a strike on June 6, 1994, following the rejection of a company offer on the previous day.
A federal mediator met with the parties in July and October of 1994 but little progress was made. Meanwhile the union filed a request with the minister for consent to file a complaint with the Canada Labour Relations Board alleging that the company had failed to bargain in good faith.
Ministerial consent was granted and the CLRB held a hearing on November 4, 1994, at which time the parties agreed to resume mediation meetings in an effort to settle their differences. The mediator met with the parties November 30 and December 1 and talks resumed today, December 13, 1994.
A federal mediator resumed meetings with the parties today and mediation talks are scheduled to continue December 14 and 15. It is encouraging that the parties are continuing to meet and I am advised some progress is being made. Both sides have been urged to take advantage of this opportunity to arrive at a settlement of their long and difficult dispute.