A Message from NSFL

Please see below for an important update from Danny Kavanagh the NS Federation of Labour pertaining to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Hope all is well. We wanted to provide an update of information that you may find useful. Many of you have signed up for updates in the past, but during the current COVID-19 Pandemic, we want to make sure we get information out to everyone on issues affecting workers and their families.

As always, if you are a union member and have any workplace issue, please consult your union. 

Many workers are struggling as lay off notices go out, and workers don't know where to turn. We just don't work on behalf of unions, we also advocate to make a positive change for all workers union or not. 

We need everyone to help to make changes and the more workers who add their voice the better. 

The COVID-19 pandemic shows how vulnerable many workers are. Those now on the front line working every day are now seen as more important than the CEOs of companies, workers like our grocery, pharmacy, truck drivers, cleaners and many others. It’s time for you to act now and sign our petition to implement a uniform policy in Canada for 14 paid, job-protected sick days for all workers in Canada.

Sign here now 


We also give a shout out to all our health care workers on the front line every day. The cleaners in hospitals and long-term care facilities, residential care homes and those providing home care. Thanks for all you are doing and be safe out there. 


On March 24, 2020, there is an important announcement from NS Power on payment relief during the COVID-19 outbreak.

"For at least the next 90 days, we will not be disconnecting customers for nonpayment. We're also committed to being flexible, relaxing payment timelines, waiving penalties and fees on unpaid bills, and providing options for residential and small business customers. If you're struggling to pay your bill, our Customer Care team is ready to listen and work with you so that you can stay as current as possible with your payments."


Under a state of emergency, it's illegal for landlords to raise the rent. From the Nova Scotia Emergency Management Act:

Prices 16 (1) During a state of emergency or a state of local emergency, no person in the Province may charge higher prices for food, clothing, fuel, equipment, medical or other essential supplies or for the use of property, services, resources or equipment than the fair market value of the same thing immediately before the emergency.


If you have questions about an employee's right to refuse work under the Nova Scotia Occupational Health and Safety Act, contact Pink Larkin at (902) 423-7777 or 1-800-565-4529, or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Pink Larkin, Law Firm is offering free telephone consultations to employees who have lost their job due to the COVID-19 crisis.

Its very kind of them to offer help to workers at a time of need. Below are some fact sheets from Pink Larkin hat may be helpful for you. They are not a legal opinion, but fact sheets. Just click the Read more links at the bottom of each one. 

COVID-19: WORKPLACE FACT, SHEET #1: 

When May an Employee Lawfully Refuse to Work?

COVID-19 pandemic raises significant workplace issues. One of them is whether an employee may lawfully refuse to work because they believe that doing so would endanger their health or safety. Circumstances are changing rapidly. 

Read more


COVID-19: WORKPLACE FACT, SHEET #2: 

When May an Employer Lawfully send Employees Home?

COVID-19 pandemic raises significant workplace issues. One of them is when may an employer lawfully send employees home. Employers should proactively adopt flexible measures that help keep employees and their communities healthy and working.

Read more


COVID-19: WORKPLACE FACT, SHEET #3: 

May an employer place employees on a temporary layoff as a result of a downturn in business caused by COVID-19?

COVID-19 pandemic raises significant workplace issues. One of them is whether an employer may place employees on temporary layoffs as a result of a downturn in business caused by COVID-19. This will depend on the individual circumstances. 

Read more


COVID-19: WORKPLACE FACT, SHEET #4:

Emergency Leave & Human Rights Protection?

COVID-19 pandemic raises significant workplace issues. One of them is whether there are circumstances in which an employee has a right to stay home during the outbreak, without risking the loss of their employment. 

Read more


The information below is from the Province, and it speaks to your protections under Labour Standards. 

Labour Standards – Pay and Job Security

  • The NS Labour Standards Code provides job protection for employees who are unable to perform work due to an emergency as defined under the Code. An emergency includes a direction or order of a medical officer − or a public health emergency declared − under the Health Protection Act. Emergency leave extends to individuals who need to care for a family member affected by an order or direction under that Act. 
  • Those who have specific questions about pay, job security and layoffs should contact the department's Labour Standards Division at 
  • https://novascotia.ca/lae/employmentrights/ or call 1-888-315-0110.

This is From Premier McNeil's Twitter Feed on or about March 23, 2020: 

"Any workplace or business that is not deemed essential can remain open as long as social distancing (spacing of two metres or six feet) can be maintained, workspaces are cleaned and disinfected at a minimum of twice daily or as required, and employees follow proper hygiene."

We added this because you can call 1-800-952-2687 if your employer is not in compliance. 

You can also let us know of non-compliant workplaces. We know not all workers feel safe in going to their employer or calling the government. If you hear of any workplace issues, please keep us posted – you can email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call: 902.454.6735.

We will report it to the Labour branch for you in confidence, tell us your workplace and the issue. Your name will not be given to anyone.

Communication is vital right now and we will keep you informed on all issues facing workers and their families in Nova Scotia.

In solidarity,

DANNY CAVANAGH

President, Nova Scotia Federation of Labour

 

Nova Scotia Federation of Labour 
http://nslabour.nationbuilder.com/

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