More people oppose forced retirement • More people working past retirement • Drug testing for Toronto cops proposed • Public-sector wages race ahead • Manitoba reviewing workers comp rules… • …Wrestlers won’t be covered • Ont. introduces job protection for compassionate care
More people oppose forced retirement
Winnipeg — As the retirement-age cohort grows, so too does opposition to mandatory retirement. A survey conducted by Decima Research for the Investors Group in 2003, reveals one-third of Canadians believe mandatory retirement should be banned. A similar survey conducted seven years ago found just 20 per cent opposed mandatory retirement. Opposition is stronger among the over-50 demographic (39 per cent), while just one-quarter of those under 29 want to see the practice come to an end.
More people working past retirement
Ottawa — More than 300,000 Canadians 65 and older were working in 2001, up from about 250,000 in 1996, according to Statistics Canada. This represents an almost 20-per-cent increase, though the senior population increased just 11 per cent. The study found senior workers are better educated and working in more varied occupations than in the past. Farming is the most common occupation, with retail sales and managers the second and third most likely job for Canadians over 65.
Drug testing for Toronto cops proposed
Toronto — Toronto police officers should undergo mandatory drug testing before moving into “sensitive or high risk” units, says an Ontario judge commissioned to investigate allegations of corruption. He also called for additional psychological testing, more background checks and an overhaul of the hiring unit. Police union head Rick McIntosh said drug testing won’t happen. “No one else in the country has to submit themselves to drug testing. Just because you put a uniform on does not mean you check your rights at the door.”
Public-sector wages race ahead
Ottawa — Public-sector wages for unionized workers grew twice as fast as those in the private sector, according to federal department of Human Resources and Skills Development. Unionized workers in the private sector received average increases of just 1.5 per cent in 2003, while government workers enjoyed increases of 2.9 per cent. Public-sector employers did not feel the same cost constraints as organizations in the private sector that struggled with the increased pressures arising from a stronger loonie.
Manitoba reviewing workers comp rules…
Winnipeg — Manitoba is considering changes to workers’ compensation legislation for the first time in 20 years. A four-person review committee has been struck and public hearings begin April 14. “We need to hear what workers and employers have to say and address that through up-to-date legislation that is reflective of the environment we work and live in,” said Labour and Immigration Minister Nancy Allan. Meeting dates, venues and written submissions will be posted at www.wcbactreview.com.
…Wrestlers won’t be covered
Winnipeg — After conducting a $20,000 study, the Manitoba government has decided it won’t regulate safety precautions for professional wrestling. Culture, Heritage and Tourism Minister Eric Robinson said the professional wrestling industry should establish a self-regulatory mechanism such as a safety council. “Wrestlers, promoters and venue operators all have important roles to play to ensure the safety of performers and spectators.” Manitoba used to regulate professional wrestling but stopped a decade ago when the industry admitted its matches were choreographed.
Ont. introduces job protection for compassionate care
Toronto — Ontario workers will get job protection guarantees to match new federal compassionate care leave benefits. Premier Dalton McGuinty’s government tabled legislation earlier this month that will allow full-time workers to leave their jobs for eight weeks to care for seriously ill family members. Ottawa introduced the new benefits as part of the employment insurance program at the start of the year, but it is up to the provinces to guarantee the job protection necessary for workers to access the benefits.
Winnipeg — As the retirement-age cohort grows, so too does opposition to mandatory retirement. A survey conducted by Decima Research for the Investors Group in 2003, reveals one-third of Canadians believe mandatory retirement should be banned. A similar survey conducted seven years ago found just 20 per cent opposed mandatory retirement. Opposition is stronger among the over-50 demographic (39 per cent), while just one-quarter of those under 29 want to see the practice come to an end.
More people working past retirement
Ottawa — More than 300,000 Canadians 65 and older were working in 2001, up from about 250,000 in 1996, according to Statistics Canada. This represents an almost 20-per-cent increase, though the senior population increased just 11 per cent. The study found senior workers are better educated and working in more varied occupations than in the past. Farming is the most common occupation, with retail sales and managers the second and third most likely job for Canadians over 65.
Drug testing for Toronto cops proposed
Toronto — Toronto police officers should undergo mandatory drug testing before moving into “sensitive or high risk” units, says an Ontario judge commissioned to investigate allegations of corruption. He also called for additional psychological testing, more background checks and an overhaul of the hiring unit. Police union head Rick McIntosh said drug testing won’t happen. “No one else in the country has to submit themselves to drug testing. Just because you put a uniform on does not mean you check your rights at the door.”
Public-sector wages race ahead
Ottawa — Public-sector wages for unionized workers grew twice as fast as those in the private sector, according to federal department of Human Resources and Skills Development. Unionized workers in the private sector received average increases of just 1.5 per cent in 2003, while government workers enjoyed increases of 2.9 per cent. Public-sector employers did not feel the same cost constraints as organizations in the private sector that struggled with the increased pressures arising from a stronger loonie.
Manitoba reviewing workers comp rules…
Winnipeg — Manitoba is considering changes to workers’ compensation legislation for the first time in 20 years. A four-person review committee has been struck and public hearings begin April 14. “We need to hear what workers and employers have to say and address that through up-to-date legislation that is reflective of the environment we work and live in,” said Labour and Immigration Minister Nancy Allan. Meeting dates, venues and written submissions will be posted at www.wcbactreview.com.
…Wrestlers won’t be covered
Winnipeg — After conducting a $20,000 study, the Manitoba government has decided it won’t regulate safety precautions for professional wrestling. Culture, Heritage and Tourism Minister Eric Robinson said the professional wrestling industry should establish a self-regulatory mechanism such as a safety council. “Wrestlers, promoters and venue operators all have important roles to play to ensure the safety of performers and spectators.” Manitoba used to regulate professional wrestling but stopped a decade ago when the industry admitted its matches were choreographed.
Ont. introduces job protection for compassionate care
Toronto — Ontario workers will get job protection guarantees to match new federal compassionate care leave benefits. Premier Dalton McGuinty’s government tabled legislation earlier this month that will allow full-time workers to leave their jobs for eight weeks to care for seriously ill family members. Ottawa introduced the new benefits as part of the employment insurance program at the start of the year, but it is up to the provinces to guarantee the job protection necessary for workers to access the benefits.
