The right of an employee to be absent from work for one day, with or without pay, by reason of the death or the funeral of a close relative has been extended to the members of the spouse’s family. (The term "spouse" is found in paragraph 3) of section 1 ALS).

An employee who wishes to avail himself of this right must notify his employer as soon as possible. When speaking of "as soon as possible", it is important to take into account the employee’s situation and the specific circumstances of each case.

The employee’s right to be absent may be exercised at the time of the death or the funeral, but without exceeding the period between the death and the funeral.