Much has been said (and written) of the SFL (Saskatchewan Federation of Labour) meeting that saw Labour Minister Rob Norris being drowned out by singing, etc. during his speech to the group – the group that invited him to speak.

The behaviour speaks for itself.  I won’t bother commenting on it.

What I do wonder is how labour relations in this province, and in general, seem mired in the last century.  The adversarial nature of the system as it exists is an anachronism and an embarrassment to common sense.

The basic assumption made by both sides, in many cases, is that either labour or the employer is the enemy – and they take a personal interest in destroying the livelihood of the other.  What crap – for so many reasons.

The effort and energy wasted on both sides with the current setup is appalling.  Rather than celebrate petty victories that do nothing to advance discussion and/or improve the quality of the workplace – why don’t both sides accept a new model.  Bargaining, mediation and if needed, arbitration.

The problems of the past, in many cases, are covered under provincial labour law.  We don’t have a bunch of kids working in coalmines these days -the reality has changed.  Shouldn’t our practises?

This province is experiencing a time of prosperity, driven by the businesses that are willing to take risks – and the people who actually produce the goods and services.  Imagine what could be accomplished with a little creativity and compromise across the table.

Or do too many people have a vested interest in conflict to justify their own jobs?

Hoping everyone chooses to sit at the grown-up table…  Dave