British Columbia Federation of Labour

Vancouver-The B.C. Federation of Labour is welcoming new Workers' Compensation Board (WCB) rules to improve safety for late-night retail workers.

Beginning February 1, 2008, new WCB regulations come into force, requiring employers to ensure that late-night retail workers must either work with at least one other worker, or the employer must implement security measures including locked doors and physical barriers to prevent access to the worker. As well, the regulations require twenty-four hour pre-payment for gasoline purchases.

"For too long the safety risk facing late-night retail workers has been ignored," said Federation President, Jim Sinclair. "Every week brings more stories of late-night workers who have been victims of robbery or assault. Now we'll have rules to help address the unnecessary risks facing these workers."

Later this evening, a group of labour activists will be gathering at the Federation offices before proceeding to different Metro Vancouver locations to leaflet both consumers and workers about the new safety rules.

In response to the Federation's Campaign for improved safety laws, in 2006, the WCB conducted an enforcement blitz of gas stations that, according to the agency, "resulted in every inspection documenting violations and issuing orders".

"Employer self-policing hasn't worked. Only fair laws and enforcement will make these workplaces safer," Sinclair said, noting the new rules help level the playing field for all employers in this sector.

Sinclair reminded the public that the new rules apply not only to gas stations, but to all late-night retail operations, including convenience stores, private liquor outlets, internet cafés, fast food outlets and coffee shops.

"While some members of the public may initially be frustrated and find the changes inconvenient, we believe these new rules will help make it safer for everyone; customers, workers and employers alike," Sinclair stated. "Consumers can't expect a 24-7 society without 24-7 safety protections for the workers who serve them."

The Federation thanked the family of Grant DePatie, the young worker who was killed in 2005 following a gas-and-dash in Maple Ridge, BC. Doug DePatie, Grant's father, has called the new regulation a tribute to Grant. "While we will live the rest of our lives with only Grant's memory, our family is proud that, thanks to Grant, other young workers will be safer on the job."

"Despite suffering such personal tragedy, the DePatie and Crellin families worked hard to ensure that no other worker would have to face the same risk their son and grandson did. Not only did they work hard to establish twenty-four hour pre-payment for gasoline, they worked with us to expand public support for better safety laws for all retail workers."

"Without their support, this regulation would not be here today," concluded Sinclair.

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For more information contact: Jessie Uppal 604-430-1421 or 604-220-0739.