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B.C. Federation of Labour urges provincial government to extend job protection to armed forces reservists
January 8, 2008
Vancouver - The B.C. Federation of Labour is calling on the provincial government to extend full job protection to Canada's armed forces reservists, says Federation President Jim Sinclair.
Sinclair urged the BC Liberals to change BC's Employment Standards Act, so that if reservists leave their job to perform military service they could return to their civilian job after service. Despite previous calls from the Federation, BC's Employment Standards Act makes no provisions to recognize the unique job situation facing reservists.
"Armed Forces reservists volunteer to make many sacrifices on behalf of all Canadians. Let's not ask them to sacrifices their jobs and livelihoods too," Sinclair said.
Earlier today, the federal government promised to make similar changes to sectors governed by federal labour standards.
The B.C. Federation of Labour also called for changes that would ensure these workers, their spouse and/or dependants, the right to continued membership in a workplace health or pension plan. "Reservists' families have enough to worry about - losing benefits shouldn't be on the list," Sinclair said.
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For more information contact: Jessie Uppal 604-430-1421 or 604-220-0739.
