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