INAUGURAL SASKATCHEWAN WORK AND FAMILY BALANCE AWARDS LAUNCHED

For the first time in Canada, workplaces will be officially recognized for taking steps to help their employees better balance their work and family responsibilities.

The Work and Family Unit of Saskatchewan Labour and the Balancing Work and Family Alliance launched the inaugural Saskatchewan Work and Family Balance Awards today.

"These awards celebrate real-life examples of how workplaces can support employees in their multiple responsibilities and at the same time reap benefits from those efforts," Labour Minister Deb Higgins said. "Employers gain a competitive edge by implementing effective work-family practices because it has been proven that family-friendly workplaces enjoy lower absenteeism rates, increased recruitment and retention rates, higher morale and greater productivity. That is something to celebrate."

Saskatchewan workplaces from all sectors – private, public, non-profit and co-operative – are eligible for an award. One workplace in each of the three categories – small (fewer than 50 employees); medium (50 to 249 employees) and large (250 or more employees) – will be honoured in 2005.

"Much has changed in the workplace, in our families, in our communities and in the world in the last 30 years. In that time, it has become increasingly difficult for all employees, both men and women, to effectively manage their work and caring responsibilities," Balancing Work and Family Alliance co-chair Johanna Bergerman said.

Bev Dubois, a Saskatoon city councillor, and Ken Pontikes, a professional affiliate with the University of Saskatchewan's Department of Political Science, will co-chair a multi-sectoral Awards Selection Committee appointed to assist in choosing this year's winners.

Nominations are open until November 4th. For more information, or to get an application form, contact the Balancing Work and Family Alliance at (306) 933-1065 or visit its website at www.bwfa.ca.

Winners will be announced at a gala celebration at Saskatoon's Delta Bessborough Hotel on December 1st, featuring guest speaker Alan Mirabelli. He is the Executive Director of the Vanier Institute of the Family in Ottawa.

-30-

For More Information, Contact:

Judith Martin Labour Saskatoon Phone: (306) 933-7982

Johanna Bergerman The Balancing Work and Family Alliance Saskatoon Phone: (306) 374-0400