Nova Scotian workers are being told to settle for weak labour standards: NDP

HALIFAX – Today, NSNDP Labour Critic Paul Wozney called on the Houston government to strengthen worker protections and update Nova Scotia’s outdated labour laws.

Jurisdictional scans from the Department of Labour, Skills, and Immigration requested by the NSNDP show that the Houston government has failed to improve the lives of working Nova Scotians. The province ranks among the worst in the country when it comes to paid holidays, overtime rules, and protections against tip theft.

“Nova Scotians work hard and don’t ask for much – but workers here are being asked to work longer hours for less pay and fewer protections than workers in most other provinces,” said Wozney. “When you’re underpaid and overworked, it means less time with your family, more stress trying to pay the bills, and less money to put toward groceries and rent. Nova Scotians are doing everything right, but this government isn’t doing its part to make sure hard work pays.”

The scans show Nova Scotia is tied with Newfoundland and Labrador for the least amount of paid holidays. Nova Scotia is also tied with PEI for the longest standard work week, and is one of the only provinces without protection from tip theft.

During a Human Resources committee Tuesday afternoon, PC committee members defeated an NDP motion to urge the Labour Minister to modernize outdated labour standards and ensure Nova Scotia’s laws are in line with other provinces.

“The Houston government has had five years to improve working conditions for Nova Scotians, but they’ve refused to move the needle and people are losing trust,” said Wozney. “Fair overtime rules, protection from tip theft, and more paid holidays isn’t too much to ask for – those basic standards already exist in other parts of the country. If we want to keep skilled workers in our province, this government needs to stop expecting Nova Scotians to settle for less and start giving workers the rights and protections they deserve.”

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