We’ve all heard about the changes Bill 148 Fair Workplace Act will have and have had on the Employment Standards Act, but it’s less clear how the new laws will change company policies, employee relations and of course the bottom line. On February 27th, 20 BWA member companies traveled to Communitech in Kitchener to participate in the BWA – Bill 148 Learning Event. They came with questions and concerns about the new laws and shared them with each other and lawyer Gregg Carr from Giffen Lawyers who joined us to help find answers to our questions and concerns.
The afternoon started with a presentation by lawyer Greg Carr. He reviewed Bill 148 and the Employment Standards Act, covering the practical implications it will have on our businesses. The presentation covered the minimum wage increase, equal pay for equal work, types of personal leaves, scheduling and shift changes and the different classifications of employees – temporary, part-time and full-time employees.
Following the presentation, members participated in a break out session where everyone was able to raise their concerns and share how they are reacting to the changes. Issues and questions were then presented to the group for further discussion and Greg weighed in with his expertise. It was a great opportunity to share and gain a better understanding of how everyone is reacting.
The take away from the day was clear, although the new laws are intended to protect vulnerable employees the changes will be felt by everyone and it is left up to businesses to find efficiencies and save money where they can. As the new legislation comes into effect and the challenges of working with the new rules are felt within your business, continue to ask questions and share with each other your best practices in the members-only Group Discussion – Bill 148 Fair Workplace Act.
Bluewater Wood Alliance members who missed the event can listen to an edited version of Greg Carr’s presentation by logging into the site under the media page. https://www.wmco.ca/media/
You won’t want to miss these upcoming events in March and April. Click here to visit the events page.
March 27 th – Quarterly Networking Event at Humber College
April 6th – Sales Training – Sandler Training in Milton
April 17th – Lean Training – Kitchener Central Library
If you would like more information about the upcoming events or the BWA, please contact:
Mike Baker
Executive Director
Bluewater Wood Alliance
manager@bluewaterwoodalliance.com
1-226-668-5455
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