For unions Creating family-friendly workplaces is an important way for the labour movement to help improve the working conditions of Canadian men and women. Some unions have already taken the lead in setting up family support policies. There are usually established core hours when the employee must be at work. But start and finish times, as well as lunch breaks, can be adjusted to fit the employee's needs. Job sharing means two people share the responsibilities, salary and benefits of one full-time job on a voluntary, regular and ongoing basis.
Job sharing agreements can vary considerably from place to place.
Usually, the employees, in consultation with the employer, determine the most appropriate division of time and responsibilities. Dependant care support programs can be offered by employers to assist employees in accessing quality, affordable care for their dependants. Family responsibility leave enables a worker to take time off work to handle family-related responsibilities, such as taking a parent to the doctor or attending a child's school or day care to meet with teachers or caregivers. Without workplace provisions for family leave, Saskatchewan workers use holiday time, sick leave, or simply take time off and risk losing their jobs in order to meet their family obligations. Many more options exist to help make workplaces more family-friendly.