Interpersonal Violence Bill Missing Key Components for Support

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

December 6, 2017

INTERPERSONAL VIOLENCE BILL MISSING KEY COMPONENTS FOR SUPPORT

Today the provincial government introduced and passed amendments to The Saskatchewan Employment Act respecting Interpersonal Violence Leave to allow victims or family members impacted by the effects of domestic violence leave from work for up to 10 days without pay in a period of 52 weeks.

The amendments to this act include defining victims of interpersonal violence to mean an employee, a child of an employee, or an employee who is a caregiver. Furthermore, the provincial government has proposed that interpersonal violence leave will follow compassionate care leave in The Saskatchewan Employment Act.

“We are pleased to see the government has taken another small step to support victims of abuse with these amendments,” said Lori Johb, Secretary-Treasurer of the Saskatchewan Federation of Labour (SFL) and chair of the SFL Women’s Committee, “however the government needs to ensure victims are able to access paid leave from all employers in our province if we are going to effectively reduce the barriers preventing victims from seeking safety,” she added.

Another significant piece that is missing is the access to accommodation in the workplace. We know from survivors of interpersonal violence that the ability to feel safe at work is critical.

It is significant for victims fleeing abuse that they are given both job and financial security while they are attending appointments and reestablishing their wellbeing, without having to consider the impacts of losing pay for this time away. “Although we appreciate seeing these amendments being tabled on December 6, the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence against Women,” said Johb, “the provincial government has failed to include some crucial components of support in the legislation for victims. Instead they should have passed the Oppositions Private Members Bill.”

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The SFL represents over 100,000 working people across the province in 37 affiliated unions.

For additional information, contact:
Larry Hubich
President
Saskatchewan Federation of Labour
o: 1 (306) 525-0197
m: 1 (306) 537-7330
e: l.hubich@sfl.sk.ca