News release

March 26, 2004

PSAC pushes for labour law to fully protect pregnant, nursing workers

OTTAWA - The Public Service Alliance of Canada will be launching a campaign calling for   legislation that will ensure full protection for pregnant and nursing workers whose jobs pose a risk to their babies' and their own health.

PSAC National President Nycole Turmel will be announcing the campaign tomorrow, March 27, to about 350 PSAC members and supporters at the union's National Health and Safety Conference at the Hilton Toronto.

Although legislation exists allowing employers to accommodate pregnant and nursing women if their jobs pose health risks, but where this is not possible, the law says these workers may be granted leave without pay.

“In this day and age, women shouldn't have to choose between taking care of their children in a healthy environment and earning income,” says PSAC National President Nycole Turmel.   “It's time the government respects the rights of women workers and values family care.”

A petition to Parliament will be circulated among the conference delegates and, later, to the broader membership and supporters.   The petition demands Parliament to “ensure that legislation is put forward to ensure protective reassignment of pregnant or nursing workers and when […] not possible, that these workers be granted leave with pay from their employment.” A postcard which can be mailed to the Prime Minister and which calls for the same legislation will also be circulated among union members and the public.

The campaign is the result of a resolution endorsed by PSAC members at the union's 2003 National Triennial Convention. The signed petitions will be presented to the House of Commons in the fall of 2004.

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For information:     Joselito Calugay, PSAC communications officer,
                                (613) 560-4235 or during the conference,
                                (613) 862-3298

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