Collective Agreements Unaffected by Changes to Code

ENVIRONMENT/LABOUR--Collective Agreements Unaffected by Changes to Code

Officials responsible for enforcing the province's Labour Standards Code are reminding Nova Scotians today, Dec. 3, that recent changes to overtime in the code do not affect employees covered by collective agreements.

While the Labour Standards Code generally applies to all employees working in Nova Scotia, it has never replaced most provisions negotiated by and agreed upon between parties of collective agreements. As well, the code does not apply to self- employed individuals. There are also exemptions for some industry sectors to certain provisions of the code. For example, professionals are exempt from overtime conditions.

"It is understood that parties to a collective agreement negotiate various provisions in order to arrive at a full package of benefits that is acceptable to both the employees and the employer. Collective agreements have always had flexibility in setting working conditions for employees covered by those agreements," said director of labour standards Mary Belliveau.

Businesses or individuals who have questions about how the code applies to their situation should contact a labour standards officer by calling 424-4311 in Halifax or 1-888-315-0110 toll free in Nova Scotia.