Human Resources committee  Every measure must be put in place to ensure that the investigation and verification process is conducted. Earlier we talked about taking diligent action regarding the necessary time and the court's reaction time, but we also need to include resources. Rigorous action must definitely be taken by either the minister or the investigator.

Human Resources committee  It's important. I mentioned in my remarks that I've had extensive discussions with our members, the family. People are disenchanted, but I really believe in the legislative process that's going on here. This is necessary, and it's through these kinds of processes that we increase people's trust and explain to them why we're going to vote: Ultimately, it produces foundational results for everyone.

Human Resources committee  Unless I'm mistaken, the bill provides for a timeline of 90 days within which to be heard. We think that number should be reduced to 45 days for the process to be closer to reality. That obviously influences what will happen at the bargaining table and whether the parties will even go back to the table.

Human Resources committee  As I said at the outset, it's entirely a matter of balance, a balance of power. When I sit down at the bargaining table with an employer, I'm not sitting down with someone who's above or below me, but rather with an equal. So we negotiate as equals. However, power has to be balanced.

Human Resources committee  That's definitely not the case. I didn't tell you about all the comments cited in the two briefs that were submitted. The fact that the employer has the option of hiring subcontractors before the notice to bargain collectively is given makes no sense and completely distorts the bill.

Human Resources committee  Absolutely. I don't represent public service employees, but it's a matter of solidarity. I also find it hard to understand why that choice was made in this bill. As the saying goes, you have to eat what's put in front of you. If the party that forms the present government, the Liberal Party, sees matters that way for all employers in Canada, it will have to make sure this bill also applies to its own employees.

Human Resources committee  The first consequence is the length of the dispute, which clearly wouldn't have lasted nine months if replacement workers hadn't been brought in. No employer wants to lose money for nine months, and workers never show any real desire to go through a nine-month labour dispute. When a negotiation begins, you start with what you want to get, and sometimes it turns into a labour dispute.

Human Resources committee  I agree with my sister: An insufficiently resourced Canadian Industrial Relations Board is what slows down the whole process. For both sides, it can often happen before negotiations begin. We encourage this, but we still have to wait months before we're heard, which slows down the proper conduct of negotiations.

Human Resources committee  Thank you very much for the opportunity to answer that question. We think that obviously shortens labour disputes for the simple reason that money is king. That's the way it is for workers and employers. Positions may be diametrically opposed at the start of a negotiation when a dispute's in the offing.

Human Resources committee  I think that the key to success in knowing what essential services and exceptions should be maintained lies in having both parties, employer and union, involved at the bargaining table. We regularly do this when we negotiate collective agreements. No one has any interest in leaving a business with defective heating, failing to conduct health and safety rounds or doing anything else that might endanger the survival of the business.

Human Resources committee  Good afternoon. The Steelworkers Union represents 60,000 members who work in Quebec's private sector in various industries such as mining, logging, metallurgy, aluminum, various primary, secondary and tertiary processing plants, security, hotels, the restaurant industry, seniors residences, telecommunications, air, marine, rail and ground transportation, and many more.

Finance committee  Thank you for your question, Mr. Ste-Marie. Many collective agreements do provide for retirees to retain some of their group insurance, including life insurance and drug insurance. These coverages are very important since the older you get, the more at risk you are and the less insurable you become.

Finance committee  You have understood very well, Ms. Chatel.

Finance committee  I just want to make sure I understand your question, Mr. Ste-Marie. Are you talking about the possibility of companies converting their pension fund to a defined contribution plan?

Finance committee  For my part, I don't think this risk is that great. The majority of defined benefit plans are found in large, highly unionized companies. We know that just over 9% of paid workers are covered by a defined benefit pension plan. If a company wanted to migrate to a defined contribution plan, this would therefore need to be done through a formal negotiation process.