| |
Submission
RE: Review of Federal Labour Standards
Dear Mr. Arthurs;
Thank you for this opportunity to submit suggested changes to the Canada Labour Code Part III. As an employer of both federally and provincially regulated employees, we have worked with both flexible/progressive and restrictive legislation.
Topics and Questions for Consultation:
I. Setting the Bar for Federal Labour Standards
| Question 1:
|
The main purpose of the standards should be to define minimum standards. Market should define improvements on minimums.
|
| Question 2:
|
Collective agreements must meet minimums and not override legislation.
|
| Question 3:
|
Federal Labour Standards should reflect provincial legislation in the province of employment.
|
| Question 4:
|
There should be no change in standards for business size.
|
| Question 5:
|
A balance can be achieved by having minimum standards. This allows flexibility to improve.
|
| Question 6:
|
Investment, job creation, etc. can be promoted by defining minimum standards and encouraging employees and employers to exceed standards.
|
II. Existing Standards: What does and does not work?
| Question 1:
|
- Section 171 specifies that work hours are not to exceed 48 per week. The requirement of Ministry authorization in exceeding these hours is prohibitive and unrealistic. We recommend an increase to 56 or 60 hours per week or language that does not dictate a maximum.
- Section 193 General Holidays differentiates between holiday falling on a weekend or weekday. We recommend treating all General Holidays the same regardless of which day they fall. This will ease the employer's administration.
|
| Question 5:
|
Flexibility to exceed the current standards is available presently. We recommend the consideration of employer incentives to exceed the standards, such as tax breaks etc.
|
V: Workplace Productivity
| Question 2:
|
Provide additional incentives to employers who offer training - including apprenticeship programs, upgrading etc. Today's reality is that employees change jobs more frequently and it is more difficult for an employer to achieve a pay back on employee training. The general workforce will then also benefit from a better educated and trained workforce.
|
VI: Diversity and Changing Demographics
(General comment): Federal Labour Standards should not be related to cultural differences.
| Disclaimer: |
We would like to thank those who submitted comments and opinions to the Federal Labour Standards Review Commission. Letters, comments and formal briefs received from individuals and organizations across Canada have been posted below. Those submissions that specifically address labour standards issues have been selected. Please note that not all issues raised in the submissions necessarily fall within the mandate of the Review.
Submissions posted reflect the views and opinions of the interested party only and do not necessarily represent the views of the Government of Canada or the Commission. The Commission is not responsible for the content of the submissions and does not guarantee the accuracy or reliability of any information provided. Further submissions will be printed as they become available.
|
|
