Province to Protect Workers Rights, Ensure Level Playing Field

The Nova Scotia government will further protect the rights of workers through legislation dealing with retail business hours on statutory holidays.

"We've heard from businesses and workers that the current system isn't working," said Premier Rodney MacDonald. "We have protection in place for workers, but there was still too much uncertainty regarding shopping hours on holidays. This legislation will remove that uncertainty."

Large retail stores have been allowed to open on Sundays and holidays, except Remembrance Day, since last October. The move came after a decision from the Nova Scotia Supreme Court.

At present, the labour standards code gives employees in some retail business the right to refuse to work on uniform closing days. This right will continue to apply to work on Sundays for these retail employees. Workers who feel those rights are not being honoured can complain to the labour standards division of the Department of Environment and Labour.

"The reality is that some workers refuse to complain. The other reality is that some businesses don't want to open on holidays, but feel they have to in order to remain competitive," said the premier. "We have always said we want to make sure there is a level playing field for business, and that we must protect workers rights."

Legislation surrounding retail business hours will be debated on Monday, Dec. 10. The premier said he expects the legislation will pass, and that he is pleased to see all members of the legislature committed to making minority government work for Nova Scotians.