Dec. 23, 2008, Regina – Today's announcement that
Saskatchewan will modify the minimum working age for the foodservice sector
comes as welcome news to the province's 2,100 restaurant owners.
Until now, employees under the age of 16 have been permitted
to work in retail establishments, but not in restaurants, hotels, educational institutions,
hospitals or nursing homes. Under the new regulation, 15-year-olds will be
permitted to work a maximum of 16 hours per week in any of these sectors. The
minimum working age in all other sectors will remain at 14.
"The decision announced today by Minister Norris is an
important first step towards a level playing field for all employers,"
says Courtney Donovan, the CRFA's vice president for Manitoba-Saskatchewan.
More than 32 000 people work in Saskatchewan's foodservice
industry, and 51 per cent are under the age of 25.
"Whether it's for a year or a career, foodservice
provides young people with critical job skills, including time management,
teamwork, customer service and problem-solving," says Donovan. "We're
pleased that the government is moving toward a more consistent minimum working
age that recognizes our industry's contributions and that removes barriers to
work for those young people seeking first-time job experience."
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