The Newfoundland and Labrador government has launched a new campaign to help workers understand their workplace rights and help employers learn their legal duties.
The “Your Rights at Work” campaign targets young and non-unionized employees with information about provincial labour laws, Labour Minister Pam Parsons announced Tuesday.
The province has released an updated Labour Standards booklet that explains worker and employer rights and duties under the Labour Standards Act. The booklet is available online and will be distributed in print at employment centres across the province.
Posters and bookmarks will also go to employment centres and schools as part of the awareness effort.
Campaign targets young workers
More than 25,000 non-unionized workers between ages 15 and 24 work in Newfoundland and Labrador. The campaign will reach this group through printed materials and social media posts.
“Every year, thousands of young people enter the workforce for the first time. It is important that they understand their rights and protections under the Labour Standards Act, and that employers are equally informed of their responsibilities,” said Parsons, who also serves as Minister of Rural Economic Development.
“This campaign is about raising awareness and ensuring both workers and employers know where to go for accurate information and support,” she said.
Safety focus for young workers
WorkplaceNL supports the campaign because young workers face higher injury and illness risks, said interim CEO Alicia Sutton.
“Young workers ages 15 to 24 are at greater risk of workplace injury and illness, making early education on rights and responsibilities critical to building a strong safety culture,” Sutton said.
She said understanding key laws like the Labour Standards Act, Occupational Health and Safety Act, and Workplace Health, Safety and Compensation Act helps young workers develop safe habits.
“WorkplaceNL is proud to support youth-focused initiatives that promote injury prevention and safety awareness,” Sutton said.
The organization offers a free online Young Worker OHS Course and Youth Safety Training Bursary Program to help young people and employers create safer workplaces.
Workers can request the booklet by calling Labour Standards at (877) 563-1063.
