Jimmy’s Law guarantees safety corners can’t be cut
“Most businesses are already following the common sense rules that Jimmy’s Law calls for,” said Forbes. “What the law would do is give a guarantee to each and every worker that when they arrive for a graveyard shift, they won’t be alone. They will have some protection. The employer won’t be entitled to cut corners when it comes to simple security measures.”
The purpose of the consultation tour is to consult with late-night retail workers at the time and place most convenient for them and to take stock of security conditions in their workplaces. The consultations are in support of Jimmy’s Law, which would mandate retail businesses to have at least two workers scheduled between the hours of 11 p.m. and 6 a.m. or protect an individual worker behind a locked door or barrier.
With a weekend gas station armed robbery investigation in the media in Regina, Forbes encountered workers who feel worried for their own safety.
“What we’re hearing from employees is that simple security measures make them feel safer,” said Forbes, who referenced features like an automatic door lock, panic button or barrier.
“But nothing compares to having another person there with you -- for security, for medical emergencies and even to create a situation where employees can take breaks.”
Forbes was joined on the tour’s Regina leg by Trent Wotherspoon, NDP MLA for Regina Rosemont; Darren Kaytor, who has twice been a victim of late-night armed robbery while working in Saskatoon; and Aaron Nagy, a close friend of Jimmy Wiebe. Wiebe was shot and killed while working a late-night shift alone in Yorkton in June 2011 and is the namesake of Jimmy’s Law.
Forbes’ tour has also visited Yorkton, Moose Jaw, Saskatoon, Prince Albert, North Battleford, Estevan and Weyburn on the graveyard shift consultation tour.
Bill 601, The Jimmy’s Law Act, is a private member’s bill before the Legislative Assembly. It was introduced by Forbes in December.
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