Local 1996-O is in support of this new Provincial Legislation, and although BTS is Federally regulated,  perhaps Unifor should lobby for this Federally! This will create some relief on the Provincial Health Insurance system and Doctors will be more focused on treating patients in need of medical care.

 

Sick notes for the boss could soon be a thing of the past in Ontario.

Employers will be banned from asking staff for a doctor’s note if they take 10 or fewer days a year under legislation proposed to take effect next January.

The measure, part of the workplace reform law Premier Kathleen Wynne’s administration has put forward, means fewer wasted appointments for doctors and nurse practitioners, allowing workers to stay home and get well instead of spreading their germs around, Health Minister Eric Hoskins said Thursday.

“This becomes one less thing to worry about when you’re not feeling well,” Hoskins, a family physician, told a news conference at Women’s College Hospital.

Labour Minister Kevin Flynn, who is shepherding the labour reforms that include a $15 minimum wage by 2019, said the law will ensure all workers are entitled to at least 10 personal emergency leave days annually, two of which must be paid.

Reasons for personal emergency leave can include illness or taking care of sick family members along with domestic or sexual violence or the threat of it.

Flynn said “most employers” no longer require sick notes, but the ban will force others in line with more modern employment practices.

As well, it will take precedence over any sick note terms in collective agreements, Flynn added.