Nova Scotia Federation of Labour Responds to New “Duty to Cooperate” Law, Vows to Uphold Injured Workers’ Rights

On July 15, Nova Scotia’s new “Duty to Cooperate” law came into effect. It requires workers and employers to work together to ensure an early and safe return‑to‑work following a workplace injury. The Nova Scotia Federation of Labour (NSFL) wants every injured worker to know their rights and be treated fairly through the claims process.

“On paper, this law aims to keep injured workers connected to their jobs while they recover,” said Danny Cavanagh, NSFL President. “That’s a step in the right direction, but we’ll be watching to make sure it doesn’t chip away at basic worker rights.” Under the new law, everyone must maintain open lines of communication, help draft a return-to-work plan, and identify duties that align with a worker’s medical restrictions. “These rules put legal duties on employers and injured workers, and if injured workers feel their rights are not being respected, they should seek assistance right away.”

Cavanagh says that under the new law, employers are now required to offer modified duties to workers who have been injured on the job. But he cautions “the duties but be meaningful and productive. It is not acceptable to force someone to sit idle in the workplace or perform demeaning or trivial tasks.”

He again points out that one in four workers (26 percent) in Nova Scotia still aren’t covered by the workers’ compensation. “That’s shameful,” Cavanagh said. He singled out the agriculture sector, where small operations and varied work make safety a challenge. “Every worker, in every industry, needs workers’ compensation protection.”

The NSFL and its affiliated unions will continue to work with the WCB to ensure that these new processes are fair and transparent. “Our priority is simple,” Cavanagh concluded. “Every injured worker deserves dignity, respect and a proper, safe, timely return to work. True cooperation means accountability from employers, the WCB and from all of us.”

Cavanagh added, “Injured workers who have questions about or need help with workers’ compensation can contact the NSFL Office of the Worker Counsellor.  We’ve operated this program since 2008 to offer free assistance to anyone navigating the workers’ compensation system”.  The OWC can be found online at workercounsellor.ca

We will be monitoring and ensuring that injured workers are treated fairly under the new “Duty to Cooperate” law in the coming months.