Ontario has passed landmark legislation that will bring far-reaching changes to Ontario workplaces
Ontario has passed landmark legislation that will bring sweeping changes to Ontario workplaces from January 1, 2018.
The Fair Workplaces, Better Jobs Act, 2017 include changes to the minimum wage, working conditions for part-time and contract workers, and personal emergency leave.
Minister of Labour Kevin Flynn said that the legislative change was long overdue.
“Over the past two years, we’ve heard from people across the province about the need to update our labour and employment laws” said Flynn.
Among changes, the general minimum wage will increase to $14 per hour on January 1, 2018, and $15 per hour on January 1, 2019.
The new legislation will also require that casual, part-time, temporary and seasonal employees are paid equally to full-time employees when performing substantially the same job for the same employer.
The Act will enable employees to request a review of their rate of pay if they believe that they are not receiving equal pay to full-time or permanent employees. The employer would then have to respond to the request with either an adjustment in pay or a written explanation.
Ontario's vacation time will be brought in line with the national average by specifying at least three weeks' vacation after five years with the same employer.
HR professions should also be aware of increasing enforcement measures. The province is hiring up to 175 more employment standards officers and is launching a program to educate both employees and businesses about their rights and obligations under the Employment Standards Act, 2000.
The new provisions come into force on January 1, 2018.
The Fair Workplaces, Better Jobs Act, 2017 include changes to the minimum wage, working conditions for part-time and contract workers, and personal emergency leave.
Minister of Labour Kevin Flynn said that the legislative change was long overdue.
“Over the past two years, we’ve heard from people across the province about the need to update our labour and employment laws” said Flynn.
Among changes, the general minimum wage will increase to $14 per hour on January 1, 2018, and $15 per hour on January 1, 2019.
The new legislation will also require that casual, part-time, temporary and seasonal employees are paid equally to full-time employees when performing substantially the same job for the same employer.
The Act will enable employees to request a review of their rate of pay if they believe that they are not receiving equal pay to full-time or permanent employees. The employer would then have to respond to the request with either an adjustment in pay or a written explanation.
Ontario's vacation time will be brought in line with the national average by specifying at least three weeks' vacation after five years with the same employer.
HR professions should also be aware of increasing enforcement measures. The province is hiring up to 175 more employment standards officers and is launching a program to educate both employees and businesses about their rights and obligations under the Employment Standards Act, 2000.
The new provisions come into force on January 1, 2018.
