Sick leave, holidays improved in new code

Employees in non-union jobs on Prince Edward Island are about to see some improvements in their working conditions.

The provincial government is making changes to the Employment Standards Act, with most of the significant advancements being for long-term employees. It's been more than 10 years since changes have been made to the employment rules on P.E.I., and Labour Minister Carolyn Bertram said the minimum workplace standards need a serious overhaul.

"I think it's important to note that many employers are already at this," Bertram said Wednesday.

"It's important for us in the modern workplace in Prince Edward Island that we ensure that there is a standard and that's what we've tabled today."

The Employment Standards Act provides protection mostly for non-unionized workers, of whom there are about 58,000 on P.E.I.

The changes will bring improvements for employees with eight to 10 years service with a company. For example, currently employers are only required to give employees two weeks vacation a year. That will change to three weeks for anyone with eight years ofservice.

Employees with 10 years will be entitled to one paid sick day a year. Right now there is no obligation for an employer to pay on sick days.

There will also be improvements to what happens when a family member dies. Employees are now eligible for three unpaid days off. Under the new rules one of those days will be paid.

Bertram is also considering two different minimum wages.

"The employment standards board could set two different rates. If you look at other jurisdictions across the country they are setting different rates maybe based on hours worked," she said.

"Some use the words 'inexperienced' versus 'experienced'. I'm not saying that's where we're going, but I'm just saying that's there."

Bertram expects the new rules to be in place by the new year.