Many members have been reaching out in the past few weeks regarding leave options as the original COVID-19 leave was scheduled to be repealed effective October 1, 2020. We are happy to report on a new development as today the Federal Government tabled Bill C-2 which includes proposed amendments to the Canada Labour Code.
Bill C-2 includes proposed amendments to the Canada Labour Code to ensure that federally regulated employees have access to job-protected leaves so that they can avail themselves to the new benefits introduced by the government as outlined below:
Subject to this legislation receiving Royal Assent, the new Benefits would provide income support to Canadians by introducing measures that encourage people to safely return to work. Specifically, the legislation includes:
- A Canada Recovery Benefit (CRB) of $500 per week for up to 26 weeks, to workers who are self-employed or are not eligible for EI and who still require income support. This Benefit would support Canadians who have not returned to work due to COVID-19 or whose income has dropped by at least 50%. These workers must be available and looking for work, and must accept work where it is reasonable to do so;
- A Canada Recovery Sickness Benefit (CRSB) of $500 per week for up to two weeks, for workers who are sick or must self-isolate for reasons related to COVID-19. This Benefit supports our commitment to ensure all Canadian workers have access to paid sick leave; and,
- A Canada Recovery Caregiving Benefit (CRCB) of $500 per week for up to 26 weeks per household, for eligible Canadians unable to work because they must care for a child under the age of 12 or family member because schools, day-cares or care facilities are closed due to COVID-19 or because the child or family member is sick and/or required to quarantine
In addition, any period of leave taken by an employee prior to September 30, 2020, does not count towards the total amount of leave you could now be entitled to under the new proposed legislation.
We are in discussion with Air Canada on implementing these new leaves pending passage by Parliament and will update the membership as more information becomes available, including any policies put in place by the employer. Please note these leaves would be applicable at Air Canada Mainline and Air Canada Rouge.
In solidarity,
