On July 18, 2019, Bill 2 (An Act to Make Alberta Open for Business) reached Royal Assent – repealing some of the amendments to Bill 17 (the Fair and Family Friendly Workplaces Act). The primary changes were regarding holiday pay, overtime, student minimum wage and the labour relations code. Bill 2 comes into effect September 1, 2019 and the following are some of the key changes associated with it:
- Employees are now required to work 30 days in the 12 months prior to the general holiday, to receive holiday pay.
- The distinction between regular and irregular workdays in the calculation of general holiday pay is reintroduced.
- Employees and employers can bank overtime at a one to one rate. Furthermore, student minimum wage (for students under age 18), will be reduced to $13.00/ hour for the first 28 work hours in a week. Over 28 hours, they must be paid $15.00 per hour when school is in session.
- The Labour Relations Code is also impacted. A key change is the shortening or currently signed union cards from six months to 90 days
If you have any questions regarding these changes or anything else employment standards related, please call us on 1 (888) 795-1242.
For additional information on Alberta Employment Standards, see our guide below.
