UPSE calls for paid leave for victims of domestic abuse

The president of the P.E.I. Union of Public Sector Employees is coming out in support ofgivingvictims of domestic abuse paid leave from work.

Karen Jackson said the province should follow the lead of Ontario and Manitoba, where systems are already in place to provide paid leave for domestic abuse victims. In order to implement paid leave, the government would have to make changesto the Employment Standards Act.

British Columbia and New Brunswick are also currently working towardsimilar changes.

She saidit's important that P.E.I. work tomakethe changes a reality.

"The sooner the better, you know it could possibly save a life."

Jackson said having to take a leave of absence would help alleviate one of the financial barriers to leaving an abusive home situation and providetime to seek legal or medical assistance. In Ontario and Manitoba, employees receive five paid and five unpaid days.

Jackson said she thinks employers would also support these changes. She also said UPSE often advocates for broader changes that affect all Islanders and not just their members.

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