September 17, 2009

MLA, Gerald Hawranik, introduced and debated a Matter of Urgent Public Importance motion in the Manitoba Legislature today, namely the “lockout of workers at Tembec.” The debate was successful because the Minister of Labor agreed to appoint a Mediator to resolve the dispute. The Mediator has been directed to report to the Minister no later than October 16th. Gerald would have preferred that the Mediator be required to report back earlier, because if mediation does not work quickly or if no progress is being made in the negotiations, then the Minister could quickly appoint an Arbitrator to end the dispute and get all employees back to work. Nonetheless, Gerald is pleased that a Mediator was appointed to assist employees in obtaining a fair and equitable Collective Agreement. Gerald was also pleased that Hugh McFadyen, the Leader of the Progressive Conservative Party and Jon Gerrard, the Leader of the Liberal Party, both supported the motion and also supported the appointment of a Mediator.