Common Sense Sick Leave Benefits

The Canadian government's plan to modify public service sick leave entitlements is long overdue. While it is understandable that the Public Service Alliance of Canada will oppose any change to this generous benefit, PSAC president Robyn Benson's comment that employees will "go to work sick" is based on a rather weak argument of perceived repercussions. The government's proposed 5-days a year no-carryover entitlement and which is accompanied by a short-term disability benefit introduces a common sense approach to sick leave. The proposed changes will finally make a clear distinction between sick leave entitlements and what some employees have long viewed as an extension of vacation benefits.