SOME SUNDAY WORKERS WILL GET PROTECTION

New Law Won'T Help Those On The Job This Weekend

New legislation to allow grocery store workers to opt out of Sunday
shifts got through the House of Assembly Friday, but it won't apply to
employees at a dozen stores scheduled to open on Sunday.

Changes to the Labour Standards Code were one of 11 pieces of
legislation that MLAs passed in the summer session.

Labour Minister Mark Parent said the new labour standards don't offer
protection for employees working this weekend.

"Unfortunately there won't be," he said. "Hopefully, the intent of the
bill is clear and employers would respect it even before it becomes
law."

The province still has to create the regulations that go with the
labour standards changes before they take effect.

The changes are meant to allow retail workers at stores that
traditionally haven't opened on Sunday to opt out of shifts that day
with seven days notice.

The regulations, which Mr. Parent said he hopes will be ready soon,
will create exemptions for stores that have opened on Sundays in the
past.

The changes come as Sobeys and Atlantic Superstore challenge the
provincial Sunday shopping law. Both grocery giants plan to open six
stores on Sunday.

MLAs also passed new laws to help police tackle crime, based on bills
first introduced by the NDP.

The Safer Communities and Neighborhoods Act will allow citizen
complaints to possibly lead to court orders closing locations that
house prostitution, illegal drugs, and illegal liquor or gaming.

The Protection from Illegal Drugs Act is a tool to help prevent the
rise of crystal methamphetamine seen in western provinces. The new law
allows government to regulate the storage, transportation,
distribution and sale of ingredients, materials and equipment used in
the production and use of illegal drugs.