Alberta overhauls workplace rules for farms, small operations to be exempt
Posted November 21, 2019 6:46 am.
Last Updated November 21, 2019 6:47 am.
EDMONTON – The majority of Alberta farm operations would no longer have to follow employment standards rules or have workplace insurance under a bill introduced in the legislature.
The bill also states that farmworkers would no longer have the right to unionize or bargain collectively.
The proposed legislation, introduced by Agriculture Minister Devin Dreeshen, overhauls many of the farm and ranch rules put in place by the former NDP government.
The failed NDP Bill 6 will be repealed and replaced.
The Farm Freedom and Safety Act, Bill 26 is a Promise Made, Promise Kept. #ableg pic.twitter.com/QhuWNTI90y
— Devin Dreeshen (@DevinDVote) November 21, 2019
Right now, all paid farm workers – excluding family members – must have Workers’ Compensation Board coverage for death, dismemberment and disability.
Farms must also abide by employment standards covering minimum wage, leaves, termination notices and record-keeping.
Under the new bill, those rules would only apply to large agricultural operations.
