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Unifor activists testified recently before a Manitoba legislative committee to support Bill 8 – Amendments to the Employment Standards Code including leave for victims of domestic violence – just days before International Women’s Day
“When there is violence at home, you shouldn’t have to worry about holding onto your job as you escape and rebuild,” said NDP Labour Minister Erna Braun.
The bill introduces a workplace leave for workers experiencing domestic violence in Manitoba. Workers who are victims of domestic violence will get up to ten days’ leave a year.
Employment and financial autonomy are key indicators to whether a worker can leave a violent partner.
Since 1993, Unifor’s predecessor unions have bargained a ground-breaking program to train workplace representatives to assist women dealing with domestic violence. Unifor runs 40 training programs for new Women’s Advocates and offers a three-day update for experienced Advocates. Today there are more than 300 Advocates in workplaces across the country.
Unifor’s work has been recognized by the International Labour Organization.
