On Dec. 4, the government announced it had introduced amendments to the Saskatchewan Employment Act in the name of supporting economic growth in the prairie province.
A news release describes the changes as being modern, fair and balanced.
On the employee side, the amendments would include prohibiting employers from withholding tips; limiting when employers could request a sick note; and extending “leave provisions” related to time away due to sickness, maternity, interpersonal violence and bereavement.
On the employer side, the amendments would allow them “to use a calendar day rather than 24 consecutive hours for the purposes of work schedules and overtime provisions” and increase “the threshold when employers are required to notify employees, the minister and the union of a group termination from 10 employees to 25 employees.”
They would also give the director of employment standards the power to order reinstatement or compensation for lost pay in cases where an employer has discriminated against an employee.
Labour relations and workplace safety minister Jim Reiter said amendments would be made to “meet the needs of a growing Saskatchewan” and its residents.
"The feedback we received from employers, unions, individuals and others has helped inform the amendments that will create flexibility for employers while still supporting employees,” said Reiter in a statement.
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