(Queen’s Park) – Simcoe North MPP Garfield Dunlop today criticized the McGuinty government for proposing job-killing legislation to end the optional 60-hour work week, while announcing even more consultations.

“Keeping this election promise won’t cost Dalton McGuinty a nickel, but it could cost many Ontarians their jobs,” said Dunlop. “Employers need the flexibility of the Employment Standards Act to create jobs. The consultation process is merely a public relations exercise to curb the expected backlash from businesses.”

Dunlop noted that the pressure is mounting daily on the new McGuinty government to keep its election promises. He believes this pressure comes not only from the media and the public, but also from the numerous stakeholder groups that are waiting in a line that gets longer every day to have their election promises kept.

“I’m sure McGuinty’s union buddies will be very pleased with this announcement,” said Dunlop. “It’s the new government’s way of paying back their election dues to union interests.”

The new Employment Standards Act that came into effect on September 4, 2001 gave employers and employees more flexibility in creating work arrangements that better suit personal and business needs. Under this legislation, employers and employees may agree in writing to excess hours up to a maximum of 60 hours per week.

The legislation also covers other labour-related matters such as pregnancy and parental leave, emergency leave, hours of work and overtime, rest periods, wages, vacation with pay, and public holidays. For example, combined parental and pregnancy leave was extended under the legislation to up to one year.

Contacts:
Garfield Dunlop
(705) 327-4500 (cell)