Bill 144 - LRMC Sends Letter to Minister

On April 29, 2005, Denis Crane forwarded a letter to the Ontario Labour Minister, The Hon. Chris Bentley, MPP London West, expressing LRMC's concerns on behalf of London manufacturers regarding proposed changes to the Labour Relations Act, Bill 144.

The letter is as follows:

Dear Minister Bentley

The London Region Manufacturing Council (LRMC) is an industry-driven council that fosters the growth and prosperity of the manufacturing sector in the London region.

We endeavor to represent the London region's approximately 500 manufacturers on policy issues important to the future success of our sector.

We are writing today to highlight our grave concerns with respect to the proposed changes described in Bill 144.

In short, we believe that these changes will unnecessarily disrupt labour relations in Ontario and negatively impact our ability to compete with other jurisdictions for investment capital.

Our concerns are accurately reflected by the Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters, the Ontario Chamber of Commerce, the Federation of Independent Business, and other business organizations in the Coalition for Democratic Labour Relations (www.bill144.ca).

We respectfully request that your Ministry work with the Coalition to ensure that the offending provisions of Bill 144 are amended to more accurately reflect the difficulties of operating in this globally competitive business environment.

Sincerely,
Denis Crane
President, County Heritage Forest Products,
Chair, London Region Manufacturing Council