On behalf of the Legislative Coordinator, CUPE BC
PAID VACCINATION LEAVE: The provincial government recently passed legislation that entitles employees to up to three hours of paid leave to receive a vaccination against COVID‐19. The new provision is effective retroactive to April 19, 2021. The full new language can be found here.
THRONE SPEECH COMMITS TO SUPPORTING PEOPLE: Lieutenant Governor Janet Austin delivered the Throne Speech on April 12, which explains the government’s priorities for this legislative session, focused on recovery, housing, affordable childcare, expanding support for mental health care and tackling inequality and discrimination. The Throne Speech highlighted the work of K-12 support staff, including education assistance, clerical workers, custodial staff and school bus drivers for the work they have done keeping schools open safely and committed to continued investments in keeping schools safe and classrooms well supported
BUDGET 2021 FOCUSED ON ECONOMIC RECOVERY: The provincial budget was released in April and is focused on strategic investments in priority areas, such as K-12 public education and childcare, while laying the groundwork for post-pandemic economic recovery. The budget also provides significant funding to address the opioid overdose crisis, increases income assistance and disability rates and provides new investments in transportation.
MINIMUM WAGE INCREASE: The minimum wage will increase to $15.20 an hour on June 1, 2021. Also, the lower liquor server minimum wage will be replaced by the provincial minimum wage. Currently over 13% of all workers in British Columbia earned less than $15 an hour.
LEGISLATIVE SESSION: The current legislative session is scheduled to continue until June 17.