In Ontario, employees have the right to be treated fairly in their workplaces. Our Employment Standards Act provides the minimum standards for working in Ontario.
It sets out the rights and responsibilities of employees and employers in Ontario's workplaces. Many, especially newcomers to our province, are not fully aware of their rights in the workplace.
In the following video, two of our employment standards experts outline the Employment Standards Act and tell you how to make sure that your rights are protected. And remember, fairness at work is not a courtesy, it's a right.
(ON SCREEN)
Employment Standards
KNOW YOUR RIGHTS
I'm a provincial specialist with the Employment Practices Branch at the Ministry of Labour. I provide guidance and support to our employment standards officers with respect to the interpretation and application of the Employment Standards Act.
The Employment Standards Act sets minimum standards with respect to employment in workplaces in Ontario. It sets minimum standards for things such as hours of work, overtime pay, minimum wages, vacation, public holidays and notice of termination.
The act applies to most employees working in Ontario; however it doesn't apply to employees whose employment is federally regulated, such as employees working for airlines, in banks and in post offices.
Employers are required to comply with the Employment Standards Act. That includes such things as establishing a regular payday for their employees, and maintaining records.
They are also required to display the Employment Standards Act poster in a prominent spot in the workplace.
If an employment standards officer determines that an employer has not complied with the Employment Standards Act, that officer may issue an order to pay wages, a notice of contravention, a compliance order, or the Ministry may choose to prosecute the employer.
I'm an employment standards officer with the Ministry of Labour. My job is to administer and enforce the Employment Standards Act.
We do the enforcement and administration of the Employment Standards Act through claims, investigation and inspection of the workplace.
If an employee wants to find out about his rights he can call our call centre, which is open Monday to Friday, normal business hours.
(ON SCREEN)
Employment Standards Call Centre
1-800-531-5551
Or he can go on our website. Our website has different tools which will guide him to find out if his rights are being violated.
(ON SCREEN)
On-line interactive resources include:
- Employers' workbook
- Public holiday pay calculator
- Severance tool
- Termination tool
We also have pamphlets and literature in different languages which will also guide you through the Employment Standards Act to find out your rights.
If you are covered under the Employment Standards Act your employer cannot penalize you, intimidate you, or fire you for exercising or asking for your rights.
(ON SCREEN)
Your employer cannot:
- Penalize
- Intimidate
- Fire
- Suspend
- Reduce Pay
- Threaten any of these actions
If you feel that your rights are not being respected you can file a claim with the Ministry of Labour.
(ON SCREEN)
Please visit the website for more information
www.ontario.ca/labour
For more information regarding your rights and how to file a claim go on our Ministry of Labour website.