Tag archives: employment standards

Ontario introduces paid COVID-19 sick leave

Photo of Natasha HyppolitePhoto of Conrad FlaczykBy Natasha Hyppolite and Conrad Flaczyk on Posted in Canada

On April 29, 2021, the Ontario government enacted Bill 284, COVID-19 Putting Workers First Act, 2021 (Act). The legislation amends the Employment Standards Act (ESA) to require employers to provide employees covered by the ESA with up to three paid days of sick leave for certain reasons relating to COVID-19. In this update, we review the scope of the new pay entitlement and corresponding obligations for employers.

  1. What if employees were already entitled to paid leave under their employment contracts?

Employees who were already entitled to at least three paid leave days for certain reasons … Continue Reading

Avis aux employeurs – changements aux congés pour les parents

Photo of Geneviève Lay (CA)By Geneviève Lay (CA) on Posted in Canada, North America, Québec

Étiez-vous informés des modifications récentes à la Loi sur l’assurance parentale et à La loi sur les normes du travail (LNT) concernant les congés de maternité, de paternité et parental? Les employeurs devront revoir leur politique d’entreprise et/ou convention collective pour tenir compte de  ces changements.

Ces lois ont été récemment modifiées par le projet de loi 51, sanctionné le 29 octobre 2020. Comme son titre l’indique, ce projet de loi intitulé « Loi visant principalement à améliorer la flexibilité du régime d’assurance parentale afin de favoriser la conciliation famille-travail » est venu ajouter de la flexibilité au programme d’assurance … Continue Reading

Everyone Needs a Break Sometimes: Employer Rights and Obligations around Employee Vacation in British Columbia

Photo of Margaret McConnellBy Margaret McConnell on Posted in Canada, Coronavirus

The COVID-19 pandemic has put much on hold, including many vacation plans. As travel remains restricted, some employees may be interested in postponing vacation until greater and safer options become available. However, employers that are continuing to experience slowed operations may prefer for employees to use up their vacation entitlement sooner rather than later. For this reason, as the end of summer nears, a number of employers may well be seeking clarification as to what rights and obligations they have with respect to employee vacation.

Employer obligations regarding employee vacation

Under the British Columbia Employment Standards Act (“ESA”), … Continue Reading

Quelques précisions sur les conséquences de la pandémie pour les employeurs au Canada : dispositions clés en matière de licenciement collectif

Photo of John MastorasPhoto of Natasha HyppolitePhoto of Ruoxi WangPhoto of Margaret McConnellPhoto of Stéphane EricksonBy John Mastoras, Natasha Hyppolite, Ruoxi Wang, Margaret McConnell and Stéphane Erickson on Posted in Canada, Coronavirus

Alors que bon nombre d’employés regagnent progressivement leurs lieux de travail physiques ou leurs chantiers, il est encourageant de constater que les gouvernements ont amorcé la levée des restrictions imposées aux employeurs. En effet, près d’un million de personnes au Canada ont trouvé un emploi entre mai et juin. Cela dit, partout au pays, les employeurs sont toujours à la recherche de tactiques pour mieux réussir à tirer leur épingle du jeu dans le présent contexte d’incertitude quant à l’avenir.

Dans certains cas, certains employeurs pourraient être obligés d’envisager des licenciements collectifs en raison de la nécessité d’adapter et de … Continue Reading

More on employer pandemic consequences in Canada: key “group” termination considerations

Photo of John MastorasPhoto of Ruoxi WangPhoto of Natasha HyppolitePhoto of Margaret McConnellPhoto of Stéphane EricksonBy John Mastoras, Ruoxi Wang, Natasha Hyppolite, Margaret McConnell and Stéphane Erickson on Posted in Canada, Coronavirus

As many employees gradually return to the physical workplace or jobsite, governments are encouragingly lifting restrictions on employers. Indeed, nearly one million people in Canada found jobs between May and June. Nonetheless, employers across the country are continually reassessing how to best position themselves for what remains an uncertain future.

In some cases, the need to adapt and maintain operational capacity may require employers to consider group or mass terminations. Generally, mass terminations are governed by applicable labour standards legislation and regulations. To that end, remember that in Canada each jurisdiction has slightly different rules regarding group terminations. This piece … Continue Reading

For your consideration: Varying BC employment agreements amid pandemic

Photo of Piers FibigerBy Piers Fibiger on Posted in Canada, Coronavirus

As employers prepare for the cautious reopening of the economy and the gradual return to the physical workplace, questions on altering the terms of an existing employment agreement could certainly arise for a number of legitimate reasons.

Specifically, employers often ask under what circumstances they can make changes to existing employment agreements. Commonly, employers face two important sub-questions in that regard. First, must employers obtain employee consent before making any changes to terms of employment? Second, must employers provide consideration for such changes to make them enforceable at law?

A recent decision from the British Columbia Court of … Continue Reading

Ontario: Paying employees for the Victoria Day Holiday during the pandemic

Photo of Natasha HyppoliteBy Natasha Hyppolite on Posted in Canada, Coronavirus

Monday May 18, is Victoria Day (Journée nationale des patriotes, or National Patriot’s Day, in Quebec); a holiday which most employees are entitled to take off and receive public holiday pay. The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in emergency leaves, temporary layoffs and reduced schedules. As a result, some may have lost track of upcoming long weekends and public holiday pay requirements. Below is a refresher on employee entitlement to public holiday pay in Ontario and how to calculate pay for employees who’s employment has been affected by COVID-19.

Public Holiday Pay

Generally, employees qualify for public holiday pay on … Continue Reading

Ontario : Payer ses employés pour la fête de la Reine en temps de pandémie

Photo of Natasha HyppoliteBy Natasha Hyppolite on Posted in Canada, Coronavirus, Québec

Le lundi 18 mai est le jour de la fête de la Reine (Journée nationale des patriotes au Québec); un jour férié pour lequel la plupart des employés ont le droit de prendre congé et de recevoir un salaire pour jour férié. La pandémie de la COVID‑19 a donné lieu à des congés pour situation d’urgence, des mises à pied temporaires et des horaires réduits. Par conséquent, certains ont peut-être perdu de vue les longues fins de semaine à venir et les exigences liées au salaire pour jour férié. Vous trouverez ci‑dessous un récapitulatif exposant le droit des employés de … Continue Reading

Relaxation of German working time regulations due to COVID-19?

Photo of Cornelia MarquardtBy Cornelia Marquardt on Posted in Coronavirus, Europe, General, Germany

In an effort to fight the effects of the COVID-19 epidemic the Federal Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs (BMAS) is working on a bill to relax restrictions on working time in Germany. Specifically, longer working hours, shorter rest periods and the employment of workers on Sundays and public holidays for certain activities will temporarily be permitted.

The right to issue such a bill without having to seek the approval of the parliament (Bundestag) and the Federal Council (Bundesrat) was granted to BMAS as part of the government’s social protection package passed on 27 March 2020. This new regulation authorizes … Continue Reading

US employment law considerations for COVID-19 coronavirus

Photo of Joseph Dole (US)Photo of Marjorie Glover (US)Photo of Nandini Rao (US)Photo of Andrew Yeh (US)By Joseph Dole (US), Marjorie Glover (US), Nandini Rao (US) and Andrew Yeh (US) on Posted in Coronavirus, North America, United States

COVID-19, the 2019 novel coronavirus (“COVID-19” or the “coronavirus”) is naturally on the minds of US employers as the number of cases in the US continues to rise. Although the Centers for Disease Control is still advising that most people in the US have a low immediate risk of exposure, that could change and employers are well advised to consider some basic questions that could arise in the future. We pose and answer some of those basic questions in our article US employers must consider multiple legal requirements when addressing coronavirus concerns. Remember that individual situations can vary and … Continue Reading

Covid-19: what should – or not – Luxembourg employers do?

Photo of Yuri AuffingerBy Yuri Auffinger on Posted in Coronavirus, Luxembourg

The Coronavirus outbreak continues to spread and whilst its impact is currently contained, the threat of new countries being affected continues as the events which have recently occurred in Italy and the recent positive diagnosis of a Coronavirus case in Luxembourg have shown us. As it stands, China’s economy has been severely affected although it is now trying to ensure the country gets back to work. This shows the dilemma for employers: a business may be impacted by safeguarding measures such as temporarily closing down the company, but an employer also has obligations with regard to its workforce. What are … Continue Reading

Les Interprétations, politiques et guides fournissent des lignes directrices pratiques aux employeurs en lien avec les modifications du 1er septembre 2019 du Code canadien du travail

Photo of Stéphane EricksonBy Stéphane Erickson on Posted in Canada

Le 1er septembre 2019, une série de nouvelles modifications apportées au Code canadien du travail (« Code ») sont entrées en vigueur et ont eu une incidence sur les heures de travail et repos, les heures supplémentaires, l’assouplissement des conditions d’emploi, les congés annuels bonifiés ainsi que les congés rémunérés et non rémunérés. Le Programme du travail du gouvernement fédéral a publié depuis de nombreuses Interprétations, politiques et guides (« IPG ») qui visent à fournir des lignes directrices sous forme de politiques en vue de promouvoir une interprétation cohérente de la législation et une mise en œuvre efficace … Continue Reading

Interpretations, Policies and Guidelines offer practical guidance to employers on the September 1, 2019 amendments under Canada Labour Code

Photo of Stéphane EricksonBy Stéphane Erickson on Posted in Canada

On September 1, 2019, a series of new amendments under the Canada Labour Code (“Code”) came into force, affecting hours of work and rest, overtime, flexible work arrangements, enhanced vacation entitlements, paid leaves and unpaid leaves. The federal government’s Labour Program has since published a number of Interpretations, Policies and Guidelines (“IPGs”), whose aim is to provide policy-based guidance to promote the consistent interpretation of legislation and effective delivery of programs across Canada. For more information on the September 1, 2019 amendments themselves, please consult the following Norton Rose Fulbright Canada resources:

… Continue Reading

Hausse du salaire minimum au Québec

Photo of Jonathan DeschampsBy Jonathan Deschamps on Posted in Canada, Québec

À compter du 1er mai 2020, le salaire minimum au Québec sera haussé de 0,60 $ l’heure, pour atteindre 13,10 $ l’heure, soit une augmentation de 4,8 % par rapport au salaire minimum en vigueur (12,50 $ l’heure)[i]. Le Québec emboîte ainsi le pas à l’Alberta, à l’Ontario et à la Colombie-Britannique en haussant le salaire minimum au-dessus de la barre de 13 $ l’heure. Cette hausse touchera 409 100 travailleurs au Québec. Alors que certains y voient une augmentation du pouvoir d’achat des travailleurs à faible revenu, d’autres y voient un effort insuffisant de la part … Continue Reading

A Festive Reminder: Employee Entitlements during the Holiday Season

Photo of Crystal LiPhoto of Laurie DuhemPhoto of Danielle EmmettBy Crystal Li, Laurie Duhem and Danielle Emmett on Posted in Canada

As 2020 quickly approaches, there are a number of upcoming statutory holidays that would trigger obligations of employers to their employees. Below, we have summarized some the most important obligations of provincially regulated employers in Alberta, British Columbia, Ontario and Quebec, as well as federally regulated employers, to their employees with respect to the upcoming statutory holidays.

Which Days?

Christmas, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day

Every jurisdiction in Canada recognizes Christmas Day (December 25) and New Year’s Day (January 1) as statutory holidays. However, only Ontario (under the Employment Standards Act, 2000) and the federal government (under the … Continue Reading

Un joyeux rappel : Droits des employés pendant le temps des Fêtes

Photo of Crystal LiPhoto of Laurie DuhemPhoto of Danielle EmmettBy Crystal Li, Laurie Duhem and Danielle Emmett on Posted in Canada, Québec

Comme 2020 approche à grands pas, il y a un certain nombre de jours fériés à venir qui créent des obligations pour les employeurs envers leurs employés. Nous avons résumé ci-dessous certaines des plus importantes obligations ayant trait à ces jours fériés pour les employeurs régis par les lois provinciales de l’Alberta, de la Colombie-Britannique, de l’Ontario et du Québec, ainsi que pour les employeurs régis par les lois fédérales, envers leurs employés.

Quelles sont ces journées?

Noël, lendemain de Noël et jour de l’An

Tous les ressorts du Canada reconnaissent Noël (25 décembre) et le jour de l’An (1… Continue Reading

Launch of the Federal Employment Guide for Employers: September 1 Amendments to Part III of the Canada Labour Code

Photo of Natasha HyppolitePhoto of Stéphane EricksonBy Natasha Hyppolite, Stéphane Erickson and Heather Cameron on Posted in Canada, General

A suite of changes to Part III of the Canada Labour Code (the Code) are coming into force on September 1, 2019, that will confer new rights to employees. For many federally regulated employers, these amendments, brought under Bills C-86 and C-63, will have a significant impact on their workplaces and businesses.

To assist employers prepare for and navigate these new legislative changes and additions, the employment and labour group at Norton Rose Fulbright Canada LLP has created the “Federal Employment and Labour Guide”. The guide includes information and takeaways for employers on the following:

  • Overtime: Employees now have
… Continue Reading

Lancement du Guide d’information en matière de droit de l’emploi et du travail fédéral: Modifications à la partie III du Code canadien du travail qui entreront en vigueur le 1er septembre 2019

Photo of Natasha HyppolitePhoto of Stéphane EricksonBy Natasha Hyppolite, Stéphane Erickson and Heather Cameron on Posted in Canada

Une série de nouvelles modifications apportées à la partie III du Code canadien du travail (Code), qui entreront en vigueur le 1er septembre 2019, conféreront de nouveaux droits aux employés. Ces modifications, adoptées en vertu des projets de loi C-86 et C-63, auront des répercussions importantes sur le milieu de travail et l’entreprise de nombreux employeurs régis par les lois fédérales.

Afin d’aider les employeurs à se préparer à ces modifications et ajouts à la loi et à se familiariser avec ceux-ci, le groupe Droit de l’emploi et du travail de Norton Rose Fulbright Canada … Continue Reading

Free Menstrual Products in Federally Regulated Workplaces Proposed

Photo of Denyse BouletBy Denyse Boulet on Posted in Canada, General

In May 2019, in the Canada Gazette, the Labour Program of the Department of Employment and Social Development (the “Labour Program”) announced a proposal to require all federally regulated employers to provide free menstrual products in the workplace for employees “due to the shame and stigma that often surrounds menstruation.” In addition, the Labour Program is looking to prevent the use of unhealthy alternatives to menstrual products, for example toilet paper, paper towels or expired products. If passed, this measure would apply to private-sector employers in the federal jurisdiction (e.g. banks, railways, airlines, marine ports, telecommunications, broadcasters … Continue Reading

Le projet de loi C‑86 reçoit la sanction royale : nouveaux congés, préavis plus longs, régime proactif d’équité salariale et plus encore

Photo of Stéphane EricksonBy Stéphane Erickson on Posted in Canada

Le projet de loi C‑86, la Loi no 2 portant exécution de certaines dispositions du budget déposé au Parlement le 27 février 2018 et mettant en œuvre d’autres mesures (« projet de loi »), a reçu la sanction royale le 13 décembre 2018. Comme il a été mentionné dans nos publications précédentes sur les modifications apportées au Code canadien du travail (« Code ») par le projet de loi et l’introduction de la nouvelle (et proactive) Loi sur l’équité salariale, chaque employeur sous réglementation fédérale devra mettre en œuvre des changements entraînant d’importants coûts et nécessitant beaucoup … Continue Reading

Singapore: “Watershed” Amendments to Employment Legislation

Photo of Mathias GohBy Mathias Goh on Posted in Asia Pacific, Singapore

Singapore’s employment laws are set to undergo watershed changes come April 2019. In summary, a greater number of employees – in particular, professionals, managers and executives (“PMEs”) – will soon be able to avail themselves of the statutory protections contained in Singapore’s Employment Act, the key employment legislation in Singapore.

The single most significant legislative change is the removal of the monthly salary cap of SGD 4,500 in respect of PMEs. Presently, only PMEs below this salary cap have the benefit of the provisions in the Employment Act relating to minimum periods of notice, paid public holiday and … Continue Reading

Bill 47 receives royal assent: Changes to the Employment Standards Act, 2000 and the Labour Relations Act, 1995

Photo of Samantha CassBy Samantha Cass on Posted in Canada

On November 21, 2018, Bill 47, the Making Ontario Open for Business Act, 2018, received royal assent. Bill 47 amends both the Employment Standards Act, 2000 (ESA) and the Labour Relations Act, 1995 (LRA). The full text of Bill 47 can be found here.

The changes to the ESA come into force on January 1, 2019. The changes to the LRA came into force on November 21, 2018.

A summary of the changes to each of these statutes is provided below.

Legislative history

Bill 47 repeals or amends many of the employer obligations introduced by the previous … Continue Reading

Bill 47: Making Ontario Open for Business Act, 2018 – Employment Standards Act, 2000 Considerations

Photo of Maxwell RadwayBy Maxwell Radway on Posted in Canada

Overview

On October 23, 2018, the Ontario Government announced its much anticipated legislation in relation to employment and labour law matters. The legislation, dubbed the Making Ontario Open for Business Act, 2018 (Bill 47), will remove or modify many of the obligations placed on Ontario employers by way of the Fair Workplaces, Better Jobs Act, 2017 (Bill 148). Please see the summary below for an overview of the changes to the Employment Standards Act, 2000 and the table thereunder for a more thorough review. For the Ontario Ministry of Labour’s Backgrounder on the issues, please click here. For the … Continue Reading

Bill 6 looks to broaden leave entitlements in British Columbia

Photo of Taryn MackiePhoto of Chanelle WongBy Taryn Mackie and Chanelle Wong on Posted in Canada

On April 9, 2018, BC’s Minister of Labour introduced Bill 6, the Employment Standards Amendment Act, to the BC Legislature.  Bill 6 includes proposed amendments to the Employment Standards Act (“ESA”) to bring certain types of leave into line with the Federal government’s recent changes to the Employment Insurance Act so that employees are entitled to job protection under the ESA for the same amount of time they are entitled to employment insurance benefits.  In addition, Bill 6 also creates two new types of job-protected leave for death or crime-related disappearance of a child.

The changes proposed by Bill … Continue Reading

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