(This Client Guide provides general information about the new Ontario Employment Standards Act, 2000 which will become effective on September 4, 2001.. This is not intended to constitute legal advice, which by its nature is situation specific. The legal consequences of the minimum employment standards can be confusing and if you have questions about a specific employment standard or other legal problem, you should consult a lawyer who will provide legal advice only after reviewing all the facts relevant to your situation, rather than relying on the general information provided in this Guide.)

Breaking news: The Ministry of Labour has announced the proclamation of the Employment Standards Act, 2000 effective September 4, 2001.

Substantial changes to the current employment standards in Ontario effected by the new statute include:

• hours of work increased to a weekly limit of 60 hours per week, with the consent of the employee beyond 48 hours;
• averaging of overtime hours over 4 weeks;
• formalization of the ability of an employee to agree with an employer to take lieu time rather than pay for overtime work;
• up to 10 days per year of unpaid family crisis leave for employees of businesses with 50 employees or more; and
• part-time employees become eligible for holiday pay

The supplementary regulations to the new act also come into force on September 4, 2001.

   FURTHER QUESTIONS

If you have any questions or wish further information on employment standards or the Employment Standards Act, 2000, please contact a member of our Employment Group.

This page was originally created on August 9, 2001.

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© 2001 Hooey Remus. All rights reserved.