Province Dumping Northern OT Exemption
Friday, May 18, 2007 at 15:39
The provincial government has announced it will be eliminating the Northern Overtime Exemption — a labour standards regulation some northern leaders have called “racist”.
The legislation has been in place for more than 50 years, and has allowed most northern employers the flexibility not to pay overtime to their workers.
The exemption’s removal will take effect on September 1st to allow northern employers time to become familiar with the administration of overtime and alternate ways to accommodate flexible hours.
The only industries that won’t be affected by the change are outfitting and mineral exploration. The government says the unique work situations in these occupations would make the new regulations impractical.
Regina MLA Ron Harper held consultations on the issue last year, and says northerners made it clear they wanted the overtime exemption removed.