VICTORIA - Minister of Labour, Citizens' Services and Open Government Margaret MacDiarmid issued the following message today:

"Over the past week, I have visited a number of different workplaces and have had a chance to see and speak with British Columbians hard at work. The workplaces were diverse and I met both unionized and non-unionized workers.

"I toured family-owned sawmills and a greenhouse, as well as a hospital, a construction site and a large hotel - and I learned a lot about many workplaces. In each case, I met workers who are dedicated and rightfully proud of the contributions they are making. I also met employers who clearly value and respect their employees.

"These visits were a great opportunity for me to learn more about the work world in 2012, and they reinforced my belief that we need to continue to have balanced labour policy here in B.C. so that workers and employers both can thrive and prosper.

"Labour Day is a time that we celebrate the achievements of workers through the ages, and when we remember the contributions that the labour movement has made throughout the world.

"I want to thank all the workplaces that so warmly welcomed me this week, and also to extend my best wishes to every worker in British Columbia for a great celebration of Labour Day 2012."

To download pictures of MacDiarmid's visits, please go to: http://flic.kr/s/aHsjBPdLFU

Contact:

Jason Macnaughton
Communications Director
Ministry of Labour, Citizens' Services and Open Government
250 387-3134