Farmers ought to be aware of their workers’ rights
guaranteed under federal law, says the Ontario Pork Industry Council.
It has posted information on its website alerting farmers
that regardless of how small or large the farm, workers rights
include:
- The right to refuse unsafe
work;
- The right to know about
workplace hazards, and
- The right to participate in
workplace health and safety.
“None of these exist independently, and the three function together to
guarantee and provide the fourth, generally unwritten right, specifically, the
right to a safe workplace,” says the Ontario Pork Industry Council.
“Employers must recognize and make certain that employees are aware of
these rights, and feel comfortable in exercising them.
“The result is a generally safer workplace, combined with proactive and
empowered workers.
“Actions
taken by employers which restrict or violate the three rights of workers are a
violation of the legislation, and are subject to a number of penalties for both
the individual actors as well as their corporate management,” the council
cautions.
“Employers
are well advised to be mindful of the rights of their employees and avoid
actions which restrict or deny these.”
There
is additional information on the OPIC website.
