Province was wrong not to consult on labour law, Brad Wall says

Saskatchewan Premier Brad Wall says his government should have consulted with labour groups before it brought in the essential services law that was recently struck down in the courts.

The legislation, which puts limits on workers' rights, was found to be unconstitutional, although the government has been given time to redraft the law.

On Thursday, Wall said the province will take advantage of that. But this time, he said, he will talk to interested groups.

"So, rather than introduce the legislation and say here it is, we are going to put together a package and send it out for comment and consultation to the groups that would be stakeholders," Wall promised.

He admitted the original approach to the legislation was wrong.

"As a government we are going to work very hard not to make mistakes, but we will," he said. "And when we do we would admit readily of them and address them."

In a news release, issued Wednesday, the president of the Saskatchewan Federation of Labour said he took no joy in beating the government in the court challenge of the legislation.

"Beating the government has never been the goal of working people," Larry Hubich said. "We believe that with greater dialogue between ourselves and the provincial government, we can arrive at public policy that is in the best interests of the people of Saskatchewan."

Hubich added he was ready to move on and would be in touch with the Premier's office before the end of the week.