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Archived News Release--Caution:
information may be out of date.
For more information call: 202/219-6373.
The Council of the Commission for Labor Cooperation,
created under the North American Agreement on Labor Cooperation (NAALC), met
today in Ottawa. Chaired by Canada's Minister of Labor Lucienne Robillard, the
meeting included U.S. Secretary of Labor Robert B. Reich and Mexican Secretary
of Labor and Social Welfare Santiago O¤ate.
"Canada is pleased to host this second meeting of the
Council of the Commission for Labor Cooperation," said Robillard. "Since the
first council meeting last year, our three countries have worked together
closely to implement the labor cooperation agreement, including a successful
program of cooperative activities. I also want to note how important it is for
us to have this opportunity to get together to discuss labor issues and trends
in North America."
"I am honored to take part in this second meeting of the
Council of the Commission for Labor Cooperation," said Reich. "This meeting,
along with the numerous activities the countries have carried out in this first
year, is proof that the labor side agreement to the NAFTA is being implemented
in a vigorous and positive way. We plan to continue to apply the labor side
agreement in improving working conditions and the rights of workers throughout
North America."
"I have found the exchange of views with my colleagues
from Canada and the U.S. most productive for the cause of improving labor
conditions in North America," said O¤ate. "The ministerial council
meeting constitutes the ideal form to reinforce our countries' firm
determination to continue our efforts through cooperation and the sharing of
fruitful experiences. I am convinced that we can learn from each other in the
pursuit of better living standards for workers in Mexico, Canada and the
U.S."
Ministers were pleased to note that the commission's
secretariat was established in Dallas at the beginning of April and that the
official opening is planned for this summer.
The three ministers welcomed this opportunity to exchange
views on the latest developments in labor law in the three countries. Their
discussions covered a number of current topics such as Canada's legislative
review of Part I (Industrial Relations) of the Canada Labor Code, the U.S.
effort to promote high performance workplaces and reform labor market programs
and the devaluation of the Mexican peso and its implications for the Mexican
labor force.
Ministers, who were meeting for the first time with John
McKennirey, executive director of the Labor Secretariat, discussed priorities
and directions for the commission for 1995. They also reviewed and approved a
number of items, including the 1995 commission budget and summary work
plan.
A report entitled "Highlights of the 1994 Cooperative Work
Program" was approved for public distribution. The 1995 cooperative work
program approved by the council will focus on projects related to labor law and
industrial relations, workplace safety and health, employment and training and
productivity and quality in the three NAFTA countries. Canada will host a major
trinational and tripartite conference on industrial relations in the fall of
1995.
The next meeting of the Council of the Commission for
Labor Cooperation is planned for the spring of 1996 in Mexico.
The NAALC came into effect in January 1994 at the same
time as the North American Agreement on Free Trade (NAFTA) and the North
American Agreement on Environmental Cooperation.
Copies of the 1994 report can be obtained by calling (819)
953-8860.
Archived News Release--Caution:
information may be out of date.
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