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Earlier this week Unifor published the sixth factsheet in a series exposing Alberta Bill 47’s changes to workplace health and safety.
The new law overhauls protections for workers and relieves employers of many responsibilities to keep workplaces safe. Unifor’s new factsheet reviews the unfair changes to how injured workers are compensated while off work. It was passed with no public consultation and little debate in December 2020.
“Employers must have an obligation to continue funding extended health benefits to workers recovering from a workplace injury,” said Jerry Dias, Unifor National President. “Stripping injured workers of benefits is another new low for Jason Kenney.”
Beginning April 1, 2021, under the new legislation, employers will no longer have a legal obligation to cover the extended health benefits of workers off with a WCB claim. Injured workers in the process of appealing any WCB decision now risk having their wage replacement cut during the appeal.
“It’s kicking workers while they’re down,” said Gavin McGarrigle. “Bill 47 has dramatically shifted the balance of health and safety responsibility away from employers, making workplaces across Alberta less safe.”
