DRUG TESTING CAN’T BE JUSTIFIED
Ottawa — Federal and federally regulated employers should not conduct random drug testing of employees, the Canadian Human Rights Commission has ruled. Unlike breathalyzers that test for alcohol impairment, drug testing can’t measure impairment at the time of the test (it only detects past use), and therefore random drug testing, even in safety-sensitive positions can not be justified. “It would appear that if an employer seeks to introduce random drug testing into the workplace, it will only be successful if there is drug-testing technology that can demonstrate a current state of impairment,” states the new policy.
ALBERTA TO TWEAK LABOUR CODE
Edmonton — Alberta is contemplating “limited changes” to its code governing collective bargaining. The government has formed a committee to review and tweak the Labour Relations Code. The committee is looking for input on the legislation from key labour relations stakeholders and members of the public.
ARE YOU WINKING AT ME?
Montreal — Office flirting is having a negative impact on the workplace, according to a new report on sex and romance in the workplace. While 26 per cent of Canadians admit to flirting with co-workers, only 10 per cent think it’s having a positive impact on the quality of life at work. But that doesn’t mean Canadians don’t like flirting. In fact, 36 per cent of those surveyed said they would feel flattered if a co-worker flirted with them while only 12 per cent would be insulted. Eight per cent said co-workers had been promoted after having had sexual relations with their superior.
MANITOBA REVIEWING PENSION RULES
Winnipeg — Manitoba is planning to conduct a full review of its Pension Benefits Act in the spring, and is kicking it off this fall by taking a look at ways to give retirees more flexibility with their retirement income. Consultations will focus on permitting greater withdrawals of retirement income from pension plans than is currently permitted.
Ottawa — Federal and federally regulated employers should not conduct random drug testing of employees, the Canadian Human Rights Commission has ruled. Unlike breathalyzers that test for alcohol impairment, drug testing can’t measure impairment at the time of the test (it only detects past use), and therefore random drug testing, even in safety-sensitive positions can not be justified. “It would appear that if an employer seeks to introduce random drug testing into the workplace, it will only be successful if there is drug-testing technology that can demonstrate a current state of impairment,” states the new policy.
ALBERTA TO TWEAK LABOUR CODE
Edmonton — Alberta is contemplating “limited changes” to its code governing collective bargaining. The government has formed a committee to review and tweak the Labour Relations Code. The committee is looking for input on the legislation from key labour relations stakeholders and members of the public.
ARE YOU WINKING AT ME?
Montreal — Office flirting is having a negative impact on the workplace, according to a new report on sex and romance in the workplace. While 26 per cent of Canadians admit to flirting with co-workers, only 10 per cent think it’s having a positive impact on the quality of life at work. But that doesn’t mean Canadians don’t like flirting. In fact, 36 per cent of those surveyed said they would feel flattered if a co-worker flirted with them while only 12 per cent would be insulted. Eight per cent said co-workers had been promoted after having had sexual relations with their superior.
MANITOBA REVIEWING PENSION RULES
Winnipeg — Manitoba is planning to conduct a full review of its Pension Benefits Act in the spring, and is kicking it off this fall by taking a look at ways to give retirees more flexibility with their retirement income. Consultations will focus on permitting greater withdrawals of retirement income from pension plans than is currently permitted.
