Hydro’s Unused Sick Time Payouts Skyrocketing

By Canadian Taxpayers Federation —— Bio and Archives August 24, 2010

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WINNIPEG: The Canadian Taxpayers Federation (CTF) released freedom of information documents today which show payouts to employees at Manitoba Hydro for their unused sick time has skyrocketed by 49% over the past 5 years. Annual unused sick leave payments now account for $4.1 million per year, while the accumulated sick leave liability has increased to $43 million.

“In most places of work people sick leave is used when employees are actually sick,” said CTF Prairie Director Colin Craig. “Allowing employees to store up and cash out unused sick leave is unheard of in the private sector.”

Unused Sick Time Cashouts

Year	Payout
2008-09	$4,095,822
2007-08	$4,067,080
2006-07	$3,812,538
2005-06	$3,469,663
2004-05	$2,741,474

“Given Hydro’s current financial challenges, this is the type of perk that should be on the chopping block,” added Craig. To view Manitoba Hydro’s freedom of information response, click here. Colin Craig, Prairie Director