One concern arising as we move further into this situation is around the statutory time limits of temporary layoffs. Under British Columbia’s Employment Standards Act, a layoff that exceeds 13 weeks in a period of 20 consecutive weeks is no longer considered a temporary layoff but deemed a termination.

The B.C.-based Automotive Retailers Association (ARA0 believes an extension of this timeframe is necessary to ensure that businesses are able to reopen and recall their employees as the province moves to recover from the COVID-19 crisis and re-establish its economy.

To facilitate this, ARA President and CEO Adrian Scovell has written to Executive Lead Katie Robb, Joint Information Centre, COVID-19 at B.C. Public Service. The letter can be read here but reads in part:

Many of our members have unfortunately had to lay off staff members due to the COVID-19 crisis. If the 13-week timeframe remains as is, many of our members would be put under more financial strain should they be required to pay out the full amount of vacation pay for all impacted employees during this time of financial crisis, in addition to any other financial liability. In addition, employees need the security of knowing that there is a job to return to.

Numerous industries and a large number of employees in the province will be affected by the existing requirements under the Employment Standards Act.

Visit www.ara.bc.ca