CONSULTATIONS ON DRAFT REGULATIONS FOR 'ADDITIONAL HOURS' BEGIN

The provincial government today released draft regulations for implementing the 'additional hours' provisions of The Labour Standards Act. The legislation – Section 13.4 of the Act – was passed in 1994, but not proclaimed.

The draft regulations would ensure that existing part-time workers would have the first opportunity to work any additional hours that might become available, based on their qualifications and length of employment. Only workplaces with 50 or more employees at any one location would be affected.

"Our government is committed to building a prosperous economy in this province," Labour Minister Deb Higgins said. "We believe that providing the opportunity for part-time workers to access extra hours of work will help them build good, full-time jobs, rather than forcing them to make ends meet by juggling two or three part-time jobs."

Other features of the draft regulations would ensure that:

· No part-time person would have to accept more hours unless they wanted them;

· New hours would be available in long-term situations where there is an increase in the work being done (longer store hours or an increase in work, for example) or when another employee leaves the workplace; and

· In general, establishments with collective agreements would honour the provisions of the agreement if the provisions were superior to those contained in the draft regulations.

The draft regulations would also ensure that:

· Employers would not be forced to take hours away from one employee and give them to another;

· Employers would not have to fill any additional hours that become available;

· The rules would not apply in emergency situations;

· New hours would not require employers to pay more overtime;

· Workers would not be put in positions they are not qualified to perform; and

· Employers would not need to worry about seniority for call-in hours.

"My instruction to the department was to try and make the 'additional hours' section work – to bring about real and lasting benefit. The draft regulations before us now are the result of the department's efforts," Higgins said.

"Now that the draft regulations are ready, we are, as promised, moving immediately to consultations with stakeholders and interested parties. I hope that everyone who is potentially affected by this initiative will take the time to review the draft regulations, give some thought to how they might be impacted and send us their comments."

Copies of the draft regulations can be found on the Saskatchewan Labour website at www.labour.gov.sk.ca or by phoning (306) 787-2389.

Those wishing to make submissions on the proposed regulations can send their comments to:

Additional Hours Consultation
Saskatchewan Labour
400 – 1870 Albert Street
Regina, SK S4P 4W1

Or by fax to: (306) 787-7229

Or by e-mail to: additionalhours@lab.gov.sk.ca

The deadline for receipt of written submissions on the draft regulations is January 28th, 2005. Anyone who wishes to meet to review their submission can make arrangements by calling (306) 787-2389.

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For More Information, Contact:

Greg Leake Labour Regina Phone: (306)787-4156 Cell: (306)539-1832