Saskatchewan workers will have fewer protections and rights at work now that the government’s sweeping omnibus labour bill has passed its last hurdle to become law, says the province’s largest union. The law is expected to take effect as early as fall of this year.
“Whether it is removing the right to have two consecutive days off, banning union membership, or removing workers from their union contract without their consent, Bill 85 represents a big step backwards for protections and rights at work,” says Tom Graham, president of CUPE Saskatchewan.
“With over 126 references to regulation, much of Bill 85 will be left to the government to define outside of the legislative process,” cautions Graham. “I urge the Minister to follow through on his public commitment to consult when drafting regulations which will have a profound impact on the daily lives of workers across the province.”
CUPE, along with other unions, had called for the government to reconsider its rush to pass Bill 85, The Saskatchewan Employment Act, which was tabled December 5, 2012 in the Legislature. The bill passed third reading May 13, 2013 with amendments.