Legislation meant to protect workers with serious injuries, illness
The government of Manitoba has introduced amendments to the Employment Standards Code to help protect workers who are recovering from illnesses or injuries.
According to Labour and Immigration Minister Malaya Marcelino, the amendments will extend the long-term leave of employees for serious injuries or illnesses to 27 weeks, which will align with the federal employment insurance (EI) benefit period.
“When Manitoba workers get sick or injured, they shouldn’t have to choose between getting well and putting food on the table. This bill would protect Manitoba workers by giving them the time and flexibility they need to focus on treatment and recovery, without worrying about how to make ends meet,” said Marcelino.
Changes to EI, employment standards
The federal government made changes to the EI and employment standards legislation in 2022 which increased the EI sickness benefits from 15 weeks to 26 as well as raising the maximum length of unpaid medical leave available to federally regulated employees from 17 weeks to 27 weeks under the Canada Labour Code.
Because of these changes, Manitoba’s legislation was not able to align with the reforms made and Manitobans did not access the full benefits.
Manitoba recently announced it is looking to increase its healthcare staffing to reduce medical wait times in the province.
With the proposed amendments to the Employment Standards Code, the long-term leave for serious injuries or illnesses will be extended from the previously set 17 weeks. The changes will make sure that Manitoba employees will be able to access enough unpaid protected leave from their jobs in order to receive the full benefits of the EI.
In order to qualify, an employee should be employed by the same employer for at least 90 days.
The long-term leave for serious injury or illness is an unpaid leave that is governed by the province’s Employment Standards Code.
