Changes to B.C.'s Employment Standards provide basic rights for working people
VANCOUVER, April 29, 2019 /CNW/ - Changes to B.C.'s outdated Employment Standards Act will provide better protection for workers, especially women, children and youth.
"These changes right some of the wrongs of the previous Liberal government, whose policies opened the door to exploitation and employer abuse," said Jerry Dias, Unifor National President. "The new employment laws will help protect young people from unsafe working conditions and provide time off for victims of domestic abuse."
Until now, workers with a complaint had to go to their employers first, so many serious complaints were never resolved. By eliminating the requirement to use a "self help kit" and increasing the government's capacity to conduct investigations, workers will see a strengthening of their basic rights.
"Lack of enforcement and obstacles to justice have enabled widespread abuse and wage theft," said Joie Warnock, Unifor Western Region Director. "Unifor has lobbied for changes on behalf of our members and we are pleased to see many are being made, although there is still more work to be done."
Unifor is Canada's largest union in the private sector and represents 315,000 workers in every major area of the economy. The union advocates for all working people and their rights, fights for equality and social justice in Canada and abroad, and strives to create progressive change for a better future.
SOURCE Unifor
please contact Unifor National Communications Representative: [email protected] or (604) 388-4398.
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