For Immediate Release
December 4, 2024
NDP MHA for Labrador West Jordan Brown says while this government listened to calls from the NDP and other organizations and unions to ban sick notes, he says they did not go far enough.
The amendments to the Labour Standards Act, brought forward by the Minister of Labour, removed the section of the act that requires employees to get a sick note after three days. Brown said that by removing this requirement without adding in that employers shall not seek sick notes removes the point of banning sick notes.
“I had hoped government would do this right, but it seems like they continue to favour businesses over meaningful change,” said Brown. “The Minister said that they are not removing the employers right to ask for a sick note for short-term illness, so really, what are we changing?”
Brown brought forward an NDP amendment calling for government to not just remove sections but add in stronger wording: “An employer shall not ask an employee for a certificate of a medical practitioner or nurse practitioner for a period of 5 or fewer consecutive days of sick leave.” Brown was disappointed to hear the amendment was ruled out of order.
“Removing the portion requiring sick notes from the Act is great, but by not replacing it with stronger language banning employers from seeking sick notes, what is being changed?” asked Brown. “This is why I put forward this amendment to ensure that businesses cannot continue this practice, adding more stress onto our already overburdened healthcare crisis.
“Our caucus is disappointed that this government continues to take NDP suggestions and policies and water them down. If we want to make a difference for employees, and take stress off the healthcare system, we need be a leader. Just removing this section of the legislation does not do that.”
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For further information, contact Stephanie Curran, Media and Communications Officer, NDP Caucus at 330-0328 (o), or stephaniecurran@gov.nl.ca
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