Retail workers can refuse Sunday work

Legislation gives extra protection to Nova Scotia workers in case stores break Sunday shopping ban

In response to retail stores trying to skirt a ban on Sunday shopping, Nova Scotia introduced a bill this week to provide enhanced protection for retail workers.

In a 2004 plebiscite Nova Scotians voted narrowly to uphold the Sunday shopping ban for large retailers — stores larger than 4,000 square feet.

"A key amendment to the Labour Standards Code will protect retail employees from being forced to work if employers traditionally prohibited from operating on Sundays decide to open," said Minister of Environment and Labour Mark Parent.

The bill will amend the Labour Standards Code to give every retail employee the right to refuse to work on Sundays and holidays.

The bill will also protect businesses from being forced to open on Sunday by their landlords, and it will give the authorities the tools to better enforce the legislation.

Last month, the government tightened retail regulations to prevent grocery stores from subdividing into smaller stores of less than 4,000 feet, a legal loophole Sobeys and Superstore used to get around the ban.

The new rule only allows businesses opened before June 1 as subdivided units to take advantage of the exemption.

To read the full story, login below.

Not a subscriber?

Start your subscription today!