Monday 22 July 2013

Understanding the Employment Standards Act

In 2000, the government set forth the Employment Standards Act. This is a set of rights and regulations that employers are obliged to follow in most Ontario workplaces.  The majority of employees and employers in the province of Ontario are meant to be compliant with the Employment Standards Act. The Act was put together in order to protect the rights of workers, and to uphold and maintain certain standards of dignity for the employed in Ontario.

Some of the provisions of the act lay out wage standards, the allowable maximum hours per week, and guidelines for the health and safety of workers in a variety of industries ranging from office workers to fast food servers. The purpose of the Act is ultimately to protect the collective and individual human and workers’ rights in Ontario, making it more difficult for employers and employees to neglect to comply basic standards of conduct. Some of the previously neglected standards set forth by the Act include guidelines for maternity and parental leave, public holiday rights, and equal pay for equal work.
How do you know if your employer is part of the scheme? Just ask your HR manager. Be aware, however, that some employers are not covered. These include:

-Federal employees, like those working in banks, in the federal civil service, at post offices, in airlines, or in the railroad system
-Those employed at a applied arts or technology university work program
-Community participation members who are operating under the Ontario Works Act of 1997
-Police force members
-Those taking part in incarcerated rehabilitation programs or inmates
-Elected officials

Whether you are covered or not by the Act, it’s important to remember that all workers are subject to being treated by Ontario’s basic human rights provisions. Working with dignity and the proper benefits at a fair wage are not luxuries. That is why it is especially important to understand your rights – but also to take action when you feel that your rights are being invaded or ignored.

When you suspect that you might be the victim of a violation of the Employment Standards Act, your first call should be to a knowledgeable lawyer, such as those under the employ of Share Lawyers. We can help to ensure that you are given the benefits, both monetary and otherwise, that you are entitled to. All you need to do to access our expert legal team is to visit www.sharelawyers.com.

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