SASKATOON – The president of the Saskatchewan Federation of Labour wants federal leaders to reverse a bill he says weakens workplace safety standards. Larry Hubich said the Harper government’s Bill C-4 water downs the definition of workplace danger.
Hubich said unless an injury in the workplace is imminent, the law doesn’t count it as dangerous.
“When you start chipping away at worker’s rights in one piece of legislation in one jurisdiction, it can have an effect, like a ripple effect,” stated Hubich.
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“Bill C-4 changed the definition of danger by removing all references to potential or future danger – such as exposure to hazardous chemicals, contact with asbestos, and long-term strain on the body.”
He said it is important to take on this bill as it could lead to other legislation that negatively impacts workers.
READ MORE: Public service union calls proposed labour law changes ‘life threatening’
Hubich made the comments at an occupational health and safety conference held in Saskatoon on Wednesday.
Bill C-4 was part of an omnibus bill that was passed in 2013.
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