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Major overhaul of workplace rules tabled in Alberta legislature

Last Updated May 24, 2017 at 4:23 pm MDT

The first major overhaul of Alberta’s workplace rules in almost 30 years proposes that people be allowed to take unpaid leave to look after themselves and loved ones without fear of losing their jobs.

The Fair and Family-Friendly Workplaces Act introduced today also would bring maternity and compassionate leave up to federal standards and set new rules for overtime and vacation pay.

There is also a proposal to simplify how unions can be formed or disbanded.

Labour Minister Christina Gray says the changes will modernize laws and bring them in line with most other provinces.

People working for an employer for 90 days would be allowed to take unpaid leave if they are sick, injured, had a death in the family, a missing child or were the victims of domestic violence.

Right now, there are no provisions for leave in those cases.

The changes would allow for a union to be certified without a secret ballot if more than 65 per cent of employees had verified membership cards.

A vote would be required if there was less than 66 per cent.

The proposed labour law update comes after decades of the N-D-P calling for better rules when the Progressive Conservatives were in power.