The Ontario Government plans to introduce new legislation that will bring widespread change to employment laws in Ontario. The Fair Workplaces, Better Jobs Act, 2017 will increase minimum wage to $15 per hour by 2019, increase paid vacation to 3 weeks for employees with 5 years or more service, and introduce paid emergency leave.
The proposed legislation is being introduced in response to a two year study of the Employment Standards Act and Labour Relations Act. The Changing Workplace Review released its final report in May with 173 recommendations. The report identified that the nature of work has changed, Ontario’s employment laws have fallen behind and are failing to support workers in part-time, contract or minimum-wage work.
Ontario Employment Laws Change
Some of the employment reforms being proposed by the Ontario Government include:
Minimum Wage Increase to $15 per Hour
- October 2017 minimum wage increases to $11.60 per hour
- January 2018 minimum wage increases to $14.00 per hour
- January 2019 minimum wage increase to $15.00 per hour
Equal Pay for Part-time, Temporary and Full-time workers
- Workers performing the same job must be paid the same wage, regardless of the worker’s status as part-time, temporary or full-time employee
Scheduling
- New rules around scheduling work are being proposed to protect workers by allowing them to request changes without repercussion, refuse work scheduled last minute, guaranteed minimum three hours pay when work is cancelled last minute and other changes.
Paid Vacation
- Workers with 5 or more years service with an employer would be entitled to 3 weeks paid vacation.
Holiday Pay
- New simplified rules for holiday pay ensuring workers will receive their average daily wages for holiday pay.
Emergency Leave
- 10 days emergency leave each year, including 2 paid emergency leave days.
Stronger Penalties
- Stronger penalties for employers who do not comply with Employment Standards.
The Province also intends to hire up to 175 additional Employment Standards Officers to help educate workers and employers about employee rights and obligations. The educational campaign will be focused on small and medium sized businesses workers and owners. For additional information on the Ontario employment laws change refer to the Ontario Ministry of Labour News.
