Stakeholders invited to discuss ideas for change

Edmonton... The Alberta government is asking labour, employer and social advocacy groups to take another opportunity to provide input into the employment standards review by discussing key ideas for change at roundtable discussions being held May 19-26.

"There are many ways the Employment Standards Code could provide for things like more job-protected leave or flexible work arrangements - to name just two examples," said Mike Cardinal, Minister of Human Resources and Employment. "We are sharing some ideas for discussion so that stakeholders can give us direct feedback before we take any further steps. No decisions have been made."

Topics of discussion were developed from information gathered through the review so far and include:

• Job-protected leave for family emergencies and compassionate care
  
  
• Rest breaks during and between shifts
  
  
• Maximum hours of work
  
  
• Eligibility and calculation of general holiday pay
  
  
• Adolescent and youth employment

Approximately 50 labour, employer and social advocacy associations are planning to attend the roundtables. Participants include associations from Alberta's key economic sectors, including the construction, natural resources, restaurant, hospitality, retail and health care sectors.

Further consultation with stakeholders will also continue after May 26 to discuss other aspects of employment standards programs and services, such as education and enforcement activities.

More than 5,500 Albertans - including employees, employers, industry and labour organizations - have provided input into the employment standards review so far. Albertans who wish to provide more input into the employment standards review can submit their views to the review office at es.review@gov.ab.ca.

Once the review is concluded, a final report with the results of all stakeholder and public consultations will be released, along with government's recommendations for change.

Alberta's Employment Standards Code covers minimum standards for every aspect of the employee/employer relationship from hiring to termination. It was last reviewed in 1988.

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