Greater Vernon Chamber of Commerce calling for amendments to B.C.’s paid sick leave – Okanagan | 24CA News

British Columbia’s year-old employer-paid sick go away rule wants amending.

That’s in accordance with the Greater Vernon Chamber of Commerce (GVCC), which mentioned it lately surveyed its members and located concern from some companies that the rule is being abused.

“Employers want to do what is best for their employees, especially when they are ill,” mentioned Dan Proulx, Greater Vernon Chamber normal supervisor.

“However, it was clear during the survey that paid sick leave has created challenges for private sector and non-profit employers when it comes to staffing levels and costs.”

The province instituted the rule on Jan. 1, 2022, and employers at the moment are required to supply eligible workers as much as 5 days of paid sick go away.

The province says employers might moderately request adequate proof of sickness, and that workers should have labored for an worker for no less than 90 days to be eligible.

4:04British Columbia authorities releases particulars of everlasting paid sick go away program

The chamber says the rule wants amending so it’s extra environment friendly and clear, and that it is going to be reaching out to Vernon-Monashee MLA Harwinder Sandhu.

“It’s also evident that there is a lack of clarity around sick days and when they are available,” mentioned Proulx, “and that, unfortunately, has led to some misunderstanding and, in some cases, abuse.”

In stating its place, the GVCC mentioned “many of the survey respondents indicated that some employees are treating paid sick days as holidays and even trying to bank them for time off.”

4:28Starting in January all B.C. staff will probably be eligible for 5 sick days a 12 months

It will probably be asking for the next rule amendments:

• That some type of verification of sickness be recognized, equivalent to a physicians’ notice;
• That employer-paid sick go away be pro-rated for part-time or informal employees;
• That employers be compensated for paid sick go away, probably by WorkSafeBC.

However, in December, the B.C. Federation of Labour says it ought to be 15 days of paid sick go away, not 5.

“The reality is we know five days isn’t enough,” BCFL president Susanne Skidmore informed Global News.

“As we’re seeing with the uptick in health issues right now, five days — that’s just one sickness and that’s just once in a year.”

4:28Starting in January all B.C. staff will probably be eligible for 5 sick days a 12 months

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