New holiday on Feb. 18 applies unevenly to work force
Toronto (14 Feb. 2008) - Only about 60% of workers in Ontario are expected to get the first official Family Day holiday in Ontario next Monday – Feb. 18.
Although the holiday was announced with much fanfare by the McGuinty Liberal government during its successful re-election campaign last fall, the reality is that many workers will be left out.
The province's Employment Standards Act requires that employers provide nine statutory holidays each year for employees.
However, many workers now get that many days under union contracts and in such cases employers are under no obligation to recognize Family Day. Meanwhile, the act does not apply to federally-regulated employees.
While an estimated 60% will have the day off, the Human Resources Professionals Association (HRPA) of Ontario estimates about 40% of employees will be expected to work.
About 90% of 3,000 employers surveyed by the association said they already exceed the minimum statutory requirements. An estimated 60% of this group plan to give employees the additional day, the HRPA estimates. Another 20% will grant the day off but may take away a floater day at some other time.
NUPGE
The National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE) is one of Canada's largest labour organizations with over 340,000 members. Our mission is to improve the lives of working families and to build a stronger Canada by ensuring that our common wealth is used for the common good. NUPGE
More information:
? Ontario declares new Family Day holiday
? Some Ontario workers will miss out on Family Day holiday
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