Stay informed with the LNN Daily Newsletter
Alberta Legislature - LethbridgeNewsNOW.com

Alberta legislators hold marathon debate over workplace rules

Jun 6, 2019 | 4:55 PM

EDMONTON — They’ve talking around the clock at the Alberta legislature about a bill that would cut the minimum wage for young people and change overtime rules.

Opposition members have been speaking on second reading to the bill in the chamber since 7:30 Wednesday night. New Democrat M-L-A’s began the filibuster when second reading of Bill 2 began.

The debate has continued into Thursday afternoon.

The New Democrats say the proposed changes need to be studied more and legislators need to hear from people who would be affected.

N-D-P house leader Deron Bilous says the bill will have a significant impact on workers in the construction and energy sectors and his party is not about to let the United Conservative government ram it through.

United Conservative house leader Jason Nixon says the UCP campaigned on the changes and are determined to push them through as part of a plan to re-energize Alberta’s economy.

The bill proposes that the minimum wage for workers under 18 be cut and that banked overtime be calculated at straight time rather than time and a half.