In the wake of recent legislation in Manitoba requiring employers to give paid leave to victims of domestic abuse, the New Brunswick Union is pushing for the same law here.
Union President Susie Proulx-Daigle says it is not a union issue, but rather a societal issue, and a chance to do something right just like Manitoba.
“I think that New Brunswick should be lining up and doing the same thing,” says Proulx-Daigle. “I think that there’s a ripple effect that occurs when there is people who are affected by violence, and I mean this affects men and women, not just women, it’s not just a woman’s issue.”
She says domestic abuse has a negative effect on the economy.
“We have a lot of members who see what’s going on, or who can feel that there’s something not right with their coworkers and it affects their productivity as well so I think that for the greater good of everyone this should be addressed,” says Proulx-Daigle.
To those who say it will cost money, she responds by saying domestic abuse is already costing us money, with a small chance of recouping those losses.
“It’s proven that these employees take more sick leave, they’re late at work, being a productive member of society helps everyone,” says Proulx-Daigle. “So I don’t see this as being a cost to employers, I think it’ll help employers.”
Proulx-Daigle says the Union will be reaching out to MLAs, and the Premier to encourage them to implement similar legislation here.
The NBU encourages the provincial government to adopt legislation to help victims of domestic violence: https://t.co/SFfUSoXDuc
— NB Union President (@NBUSNB) March 22, 2016
