Nova Scotian athletes are now exempt from parts of the labour code.
The changes were made earlier this week to allow for the unique situation athletes find themsleves in.
In a statement, Minister Kelly Regan says, “The changes strike a balance [and] will continue to provide protection for important issues like discrimination, while allowing for alternate ways of compensation.”
Under the new rules, athletes would be exempt from minmimum wage, defined hours of work and protections around firings.
They will still be guaranteed to receive equal pay and be protected against discimination and leaves of absence.
President of the Halifax Mooseheads, Bobby Smith says in a release, “Paying for all athlete’s time, including practice or travel, would make it difficult for teams to operate.”
While an athlete may be an employee, they are often compensated by other means such as per diems, training costs and equipment.
Other workers in Nova Scotia, such as commission salespeople, have a similar arrangement.
