B.C. workers will no longer need to provide sick notes to employers

[Castanet News]

Workers in British Columbia will no longer need a doctor's sick note for short-term absences. The B.C. government has announced changes to the Employment...

[carneyforthewin]

great news for patients that save 20 bucks - and doctors that have better things to do.

[jlysholm]

Get ready for increased absenteeism.

[GordonH]

Get ready for increased absenteeism.

Employees have 5 sick days per/year.
Once those are used up, the employee/s gets absolutely nothing for calling in sick.

[Bsuds]

Get ready for increased absenteeism.

Employees have 5 sick days per/year.
Once those are used up, the employee/s gets absolutely nothing for calling in sick.

Maybe if they are paid by the hour.

45 years on the job and never had to provide a note from my Dr for any time off.

[hobbyguy]

It is important to note that this change is to the Employment Standards Act. That means non union employees.

If it is properly worded and considers the "and then what?" questions, it can be a good change. I am not confident that NDP will do that.

Lazy employers would be the ones who ask for notes as a matter of course for all sick absences.

When I was in management I only asked for them when a pattern of absences emerged - which was very rare, and even rarer with non union employees. If the pattern of absences continued, then it proceeded onward toward a non culpable dismissal, absent a legitimate explanation, but with respect for the employee. I didn't make the judgement call on the adequate explanation either, that call was made by a contracted medical professional. But sometimes even a legitimate explanation can void the employment contract. So it is a very tricky issue.

I hope the NDP are smart enough to understand the nuances. I don't have a lot of confidence that they will...

[cjfin]

Will be a good case for unions to negotiate this into their collective agreements too.