The union representing Saskatoon Public Library workers has ratified a tentative collective agreement that involves improved leave provisions and wage increases. The Canadian Union of Public Employees Local 2669 has been in bargaining with the union since the last contract expired on Dec. 31, 2016. The new contract, covering 270 library workers at nine branches, will expire […]
In 2018, 25 per cent of Canadians, or 7.8 million people, aged 15 and older provided care to a family member or friend with a long-term health condition, a physical or mental disability or problems related to aging, according to data published this week by Statistics Canada. This compares to 8.1 million people, or 28 […]
Mental health is a growing concern both in and out of the workplace, and employees with these issues often need days to deal with them. Paula Allen, vice-president of research and analytics at Morneau Shepell Ltd., suggests employers provide employees with workplace flexibility because “we’re not robots.” Specifically, she supports and encourages mental-health days, though she believes the real promise and […]
The union representing 33 employees of the Northumberland County social services department says the county is attempting to weaken employees’ short-term disability leave and remove their right to work a compressed workweek. On Dec. 12, the Canadian Union of Public Employees Local 3725 began contract negotiations with the county using a provincially appointed conciliator. Union members […]
Shopify Inc. is putting out the welcome mat for software developers who’ve taken leave from work with its new training program. The three-month paid program will help senior developers re-join the workforce after leaves of absence by bringing them up to speed on any technical developments in their field and training them on the Shopify […]
About four in 10 (41 per cent) U.S. employers said they’re making a major effort to reduce absenteeism in 2018, according to a new survey by the Guardian Life Insurance Co. of America. The survey found the number of employers looking to reduce employee absenteeism has significantly increased in the past few years, up from […]
The Professional Institute of the Public Service of Canada and the Treasury Board have reached an agreement that includes expanded parental leave top-up, paid leave for survivors of domestic violence and a wage increase. “Our members give their best to Canada and to their families. We went into these negotiations to get a deal that […]
As the need for elder care is increasing so are the related work disruptions, with more women than men taking on the responsibility, according to a new study by the Institute for Work and Health. The study used figures from Statistics Canada’s labour force survey, which compiled responses from more than 5.8 million workers, aged 40 and […]
In today’s modern world, filling out paperwork to make a benefits claim feels archaic, especially considering the ease of making other life choices, such as an app for ordering coffee from Starbucks Corp. or personalized viewing suggestions from Netflix Inc. “People’s expectations are changing,” says Ofelia Isabel, managing director and client management leader for Canada at Willis Towers Watson. She […]
The 2019 federal budget offered several proposals to help working Canadians, ranging from new leave provisions to tax benefit adjustments. A potential new leave provision is aimed at making it easier for workers to take time off for skills education. While the budget didn’t specify the length of the leave, it noted the government’s intention to consult with the […]