Public asked for input on Alberta's employment standards

Edmonton... Albertans have the opportunity to help shape Alberta's employment standards laws. The government is asking for public input into the review of Alberta's Employment Standards Code and Regulation.

"Employment standards play an important role in supporting fair and productive workplaces," said Mike Cardinal, Minister of Human Resources and Employment. "A great deal has changed in Alberta and we need to ensure our employment standards are current and relevant."

The Employment Standards Code was last reviewed in 1988. Since then, technological advances, globalization, increased competition, and changes to family and workforce demographics have altered Alberta's workplaces.

Employment standards legislation establishes the minimum standards of employment for workers and employers such as: hours of work, overtime, minimum wage, vacations, general holiday pay, maternity and parental leave. Employers and employees may agree to terms and conditions that exceed these minimums. Earlier this year, the Alberta government announced a minimum wage increase from $5.90 to $7.00 an hour, effective September 1, 2005.

Albertans are asked to provide their input through the Employment Standards Review Discussion Guide available:

• online at www.gov.ab.ca/hre/employmentstandards
• at MLA constituency offices, call 310-0000 for locations
• at Employment Standards offices, call (780) 427-3731 (for toll-free dial 310-000) for locations
• through the Employment Standards Contact Centre (780) 427-3731 (for toll-free dial 310-0000)

The deadline for submissions is September 29, 2005. The employment standards review is expected to be completed by the end of the year.

"All views will be given equal consideration. Employment standards must reflect the current values and needs of Albertans," added Cardinal.

Categories: Employment-Standards Employment-Law

Work smart, work safe

Work Safe Alberta reminds Albertans not to make "stupid" decisions at work

A few stupid seconds can ruin a lifetime of being smart

Edmonton... A new public awareness campaign has been launched to remind working Albertans that anybody can get injured or killed in just a few seconds.

"Anybody who loses focus for a moment is at risk of making a mistake on the job," said Human Resources and Employment Minister Mike Cardinal.

The campaign launched this week focuses on specific measures that can be taken to avoid a workplace injury or death. Based on extensive research and testing, the first stage of this campaign reminds workers not to do anything "stupid" that could have lasting consequences. It includes radio ads and worksite safety posters.

Every investigation of a workplace injury or fatality by Human Resources and Employment uncovers several choices that were made which led to the tragedy; there are no accidents. With this in mind the campaign will also target employers with messages about keeping workers safe. Research shows that businesses with 20 to 99 employees have a higher injury rate than the provincial average, so these ads will be aimed at small to medium sized employers.

The campaign is part of Work Safe Alberta, a unique partnership between industry, labour and government that has reduced Alberta's workplace injury rate by 24 per cent in less than three years. This represents over 10,000 serious injuries to workers that have been prevented each year. An integral part of the initiative has been promoting workplace safety by increasing public awareness. Initial advertising began in 2002 and was focussed on making Albertans aware of the number of work related deaths and injuries each year and the need for greater health and safety measures. Research showed that 82% of people asked recalled the campaign's messaging and stakeholders indicated that the advertising was instrumental in generating support for increased safety measures at work.

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Revised: This news release was amended on August 16, 2005.

Editors Note: More information on the Work Safe Alberta initiative, including the public awareness campaign is available online at www.worksafely.org, or call the Workplace Health and Safety Contact Centre toll free in Alberta at 1-866-415-8690/or 415-8690 in Edmonton.

Categories: Occupational-Health-and-Safety