Plan To Dump OT Exemption Gets Mixed Reaction

Wednesday, February 21, 2007 at 14:59

 

 

The head of the Saskatchewan Federation of Labour is pleased the provincial government is leaning towards ending the northern overtime exemption.

 

However, Larry Hubich is less than thrilled that MLA Ron Harper has recommended the exemption remain in place for outfitters.

 

Harper has indicated outfitters, including guides, are in favour of keeping things the way they are now.

 

Harper says outfitting is a time-sensitive industry that depends on accommodating a large client base over a relatively short period of time. He believes requiring outfitters to start paying overtime could significantly disrupt their operations.

 

However, Hubich doesn’t buy that argument. Hubich says any worker will take that position if it’s made clear they could lose their job.

 

He also says other sectors that are seasonal in nature have demonstrated there are ways to work around the concerns identified by outfitters.

 

Aside from this issue, Hubich says he supports Harper’s recommendations — and believes abolishing the northern overtime exemption is long overdue.

 

Meanwhile, an official with a large uranium mining company in Saskatchewan says it’s too early to know how ending the overtime exemption will affect his firm’s operations.

 

AREVA’s Alun Richards notes the recommendation has yet to receive cabinet approval — let alone be implemented.

 

However, Richards says the fact most mine employees are covered under federal regulations and are unionized likely means it won’t have a great impact.

 

Still, Richards admits it could affect his company’s labour costs for contractors.