COVID-19: Sask. introduces unpaid job protected leave

CTV Regina: Province introduces Sask. worker legislation Watch: The province has introduced new legislation for workers due to COVID-19 concerns. Wayne Mantyka explains.

REGINA — The Government of Saskatchewan has amended the Saskatchewan Employment Act to guarantee access to unpaid job protected leave during the COVID-19 pandemic.

"We think it is important for employees to know that the stability of their job security will continue throughout,” said Don Morgan, the Saskatchewan Minister of Labour.

The legislation passed through the house in minutes through full cooperation between the Saskatchewan Party government and the NDP opposition.

The legislation was mirrored after similar proposals by other provinces, but Saskatchewan is the first to pass it. It is primarily aimed at workers who are not protected by union or employer policies. Workers can stay away from their job but might not get paid.

“That's why we have employment insurance. A lot of people have paid sick time already so those are things at this point in time we are not able to address that,” said Morgan.

Amendments will come into effect retroactively on March 6.