Canada’s new Labour Code came into force on September 1, 2019. It guarantees more unpaid leave and breaks for 900,000 federal employees.
More breaks
One of the changes made by the Canada’s new Labour Code since early September is 30 minutes of unpaid break after each period of five consecutive hours of work. Note, however, that the break is paid if the employee has to remain available to the employer during this period. In addition, a rest period of at least eight consecutive hours is mandatory between each shift.
Easier absences for family obligations
One of the major changes relates to overtime. From now on, it will be possible under certain conditions to refuse to do overtime if there are family obligations, such as caring for a sick child or family member. Leave for family obligations is replaced by five days of personal leave to treat illness or injury or to fulfil family obligations. And if the employee has worked for his employer for more than three months, the first three days are paid.
Measures that divide
It should be noted that while most institutions, especially the PSAC (Public Service Alliance of Canada), have welcomed these initiatives, some private employers criticize them and have asked to be exempted from many of these obligations, saying that they would be too expensive.