N.S. news: Bill would increase unpaid leave for workers [Video]

HALIFAX –

The Nova Scotia government has tabled a bill that would significantly increase the amount of unpaid time off for employees who develop a serious illness or are severely hurt on the job.

Introduced on Thursday, Labour Minister Jill Balser said if the bill becomes law, workers will get up to 27 unpaid weeks off without fear they will lose their jobs.

“Employees shouldn’t have to worry about anything but getting better,” Balser told reporters. “Eligible employees will have the job protection they need so they can focus on recovery.”

Currently, workers are permitted up to three unpaid days off, and the new bill adds another five days of unpaid leave for general illness.

Balser said the bill is the product of consultations with the Canadian Cancer Society, adding that it aligns with other Canadian jurisdictions, as well as the federal government’s employment insurance sickness benefit and employment insurance benefit.

Heather Mulligan, manager with the Canadian Cancer …