The Alberta Federation of Labour wants an emergency meeting with Employment Minister Hector Goudreau to push for changes in legislation to protect workers who follow medical advice and stay home when they have the flu.

AFL President Gil McGowan says a majority of workers in Alberta face the prospect of being punished for doing the right thing. McGowan says six provinces have labour standards codes that say workers can not be disciplined, demoted or dismissed for taking time off because of short term illness.

Even when companies have sick leave policies, he says too many workers are pressured into showing up when they’re sick.

He’s also hoping the AFL request can get some debate time in the legislature that will send a clear message to employers to make it easier, not harder, for sick workers to follow the advice of public health authorities.

iNews880.com, Wed Oct 28 2009