ATA Proposes Changes to Labour Standards Act

CALGARY [Mar. 31, 2000] -Last fall the ATA met with representatives from Alberta Human Resources and Employment to discuss the conflict between the Driver’s Hours of Service Regulations and the Employment Standards Code. Specifically the Employment Standards Code limits work hours to 12 where as the Driver’s Hours of Service regulations allow a maximum of 15 hours in a work shift.

In addition the Employment Standards Code requires 8 consecutive hours off duty between work shifts. There is a proposal under consideration to amend the Driver’s Hours of Service Regulations to require a minimum of 10 hours off duty between driving shifts.

As a result of the discussions, the Alberta Trucking Association is proposing two changes to the Employment Standards Code:
1. When a trucking employee is covered by the Driver’s Hours of Service Regulations, the Employment Standards code will not apply.
2. If the Driver’s Hours of Service Regulations specify that rest between driving shifts must be greater than 8 hours then this provision will prevail.

The overtime provision within the Employment Standards Code was also discussed however no change is being proposed. (source: The Alberta Trucking Association)