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The following statement was issued today by Joan Burke, Minister of Human Resources, Labour and Employment. It was also read in the House of Assembly: I am pleased to inform the people of Newfoundland and Labrador, and as many members are aware, that an Act to Amend the Labour Standards Act (Bill 38) has been passed here in the House of Assembly, making Compassionate Care Leave available to workers in Newfoundland and Labrador. This amendment to the Labour Standards Legislation will ensure workers in our province have the ability to deal with important family issues and crises without having to worry about job protection. Compassionate Care Leave will give employees the time they need to care for a terminally or gravely ill family member without interfering with their employment status. Under Bill 38, employees can take up to eight weeks away from work to care for a family member who faces a significant risk of death within approximately a six-month period. Employees whose workplaces are regulated by the Labour Standards Act and who take Compassionate Care Leave will be entitled to the same protections that now exist under legislation for maternity and parental leave. Employees cannot be disciplined, demoted or dismissed for taking Compassionate Care Leave. Furthermore an employee has the right to be reinstated in the same or a comparable position when returning to work and two or more employees can share the eight weeks of leave to care for the same family member. Employees who are eligible to receive Employment Insurance benefits may claim those benefits for up to six weeks. I believe this change is particularly significant for the women in our workforce who represent 43 per cent of our full-time workers and 69 per cent of part-time workers. Traditionally, women spend more time than men with child and family care responsibilities and balancing home and work life can be a difficult challenge. It is my hope that the benefits and job protection provided with Compassionate Care Leave will have a positive impact on women and improve their attachment to the workforce. Officials of the Labour Relations Agency consulted with business, labour and health stakeholders on this issue. I am very pleased to report that all support the implementation of Compassionate Care Leave.
2004 12 09 1:45 p.m. |
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