President of the BC Federation of Labour critical of five sick days per year decision

Laird Cronk, the president of the BC Federation of Labour, is critical of the decision, saying provincial data indicates that while workers may take an average of 4.8 sick days annually, countries like New Zealand, Australia, Sweden and Germany have 10 days or more.

He says that is what it takes to make sure workers have the economic stability to stay home when they are sick.

Workers in British Columbia will be eligible for a minimum of five sick days per year starting January 1st.

Labour Minister Harry Bains says the new sick leave policy affects all workers covered by the province's Employment Standards Act, including part-time workers.