Labour bill too much for some, long overdue for others

Business, government and worker advocates continue to disagree about some proposed changes to Alberta’s employment standards and labour codes.

The changes will “layer costs upon employers” who have not been properly consulted, the local president of the Chamber of Commerce said Thursday, while local labour officials and the provincial minister said changes are reasonable and overdue.

This week, Alberta Labour Minister Christina Gray tabled changes that would give workers greater job security and access to maternity and compassionate leave.

Employees would gain a minimum of two weeks vacation and after 90 days on the job, and access to unpaid leave for things like illness or caring for sick relatives.

Opposition members stated they could support some, but bristled at labour code changes that would alter rules about union certification. They asked those provisions be split out and debated separately.

Aaron Fleming, head of the Medicine Hat District Chamber of Commerce, said the entire list of amendments — developed after a 36-day consultation period — requires greater study and further discussions.

“There are some things, positive points, but a few could be worked on,” said Fleming, citing his members feel that costs are mounting, and the number of changes are a lot to digest considering the state of the economy.

“There are impacts on business that will have additional costs. They’re making an uneducated decision.”

The New Democrats have billed the changes as the first major update to the legislation since 1988. Labour groups have often said rules have long favoured employers rather than workers.

On Thursday, Gray defended the short consultation period at a morning press conference in Edmonton.

“There are significant stakeholders who have waited 30 years,” she told the press conference,” Gray said.

“What’s being put forward is fair and balanced ... The perspectives are very well known. We know what they are, and we’ve presented a middle ground.”

Sharon Stolz is the new president of the Medicine Hat District Labour Council. She said changes are needed to modernize Alberta’s labour laws, “no bones about it.”

“Good employers make accommodations, but bad employers are the reason we need to put this in code,” said Stolz. “That’s the sad part of it, but this is common sense.”

Wildrose MLA Drew Barnes, of Cypress-Medicine Hat, said he sees value in aligning provincial and federal standards for leaves but said union certification changes need close examination.

“To deliberately put (compassionate leave) with union provisions that are antidemocratic is wrong,” said Barnes, adding that he felt those changes are ideologically driven.

He felt that dividing the bills would allow MLAs to improve both portions.

“It would allow us to make it as good as we could. This government will do what it wants but the unintended consequences could be severe.”

Items related to employment standards, mainly leaves, would come into effect on Jan. 1, 2018.

At Thursday press event, Gray said the legislation would create healthier and better workplaces.

“People are concerned that they’ll lose their job if they take time off work to get better,” said Dr. Doug Klein, a professor of family medicine who also sees patients.

He said the legislation will help vulnerable, low-income workers and those in service and low-paying sectors.

“It’s a real issue that needs to be looked at, and there needs to be protections.”