April 15, 2014
Province Introduces Proposed Legislation That Would Protect Temporary Workers
– – –Act Would Help Protect Vulnerable, Temporary Workers: Minister Braun
The protection for temporary help workers act would provide better protection for temporary workers employed through temporary employment agencies, while reducing barriers to permanent employment for those workers, Labour and Immigration Minister Erna Braun announced after she introduced the legislation today.
“Our government is focused on creating good jobs and training skilled workers to meet the needs of Manitoba employers,” said Minister Braun. “We want to ensure that there are no barriers to workers gaining permanent employment and the appropriate protections are in place for temporary workers.”
Temporary help agencies are an established part of the labour market and provide a valuable service for employers in need of immediate skilled workers and help workers find employment, the minister said.
The act would:
- prohibit agencies from restricting a temporary worker from obtaining permanent employment,
- regulate the charging of conversion fees,
- extend notice of termination and pay obligation rights to workers, and
- require temporary employment agencies be licensed by Manitoba Labour and Immigration.
In 2013, there wereapproximately two million Canadians employed as temporary workers in industries such as construction, processing and manufacturing, cleaning, office duties and home care. In Manitoba, there were approximately 63,300 temporary workers in 2013.
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