Temporary layoffs extended and essential worker ‘top-up’ applications open in Newfoundland and Labrador
June 16, 2020Temporary layoffs extended
The government has extended temporary layoffs which will give more time for retailers to bring back their employees as they slowly try to rebuild their business. Prior to this change, if an employee was temporarily laid off for longer than 13 weeks in a period of 20 consecutive weeks, the employee would be considered permanently terminated. The change will extend the period for a temporary layoff to 26 weeks in a period of 33 consecutive weeks. The government has also extended the time period for making a complaint to the Director of Labour Standards from 6 to 12 months. The temporary layoff provision and the time period for complaints to the Labour Standards Director will be retroactive to March 18, 2020 and will end on September 18, 2020.
Essential worker ‘top-up’ program applications begin July 6, 2020
The provincial and federal government will provide $64 million to be distributed as a one time payment to workers who were deemed essential and worked during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Employers need to apply on behalf of their employees. The application process begins on July 6, 2020 and will end on July 30, 2020. Retailers who qualify include pharmacy, grocery, appliance and automotive. RCC is waiting for clarification on whether home improvement, health and wellness and electronics retailers are also eligible. There are eligibility requirements regarding hours worked and gross monthly income earned during the eligibility period of March 15-July 4, 2020. More information
