The Alberta Employment Standards Code outlines the workplace obligations of employers and rights of employees. Its minimum standards apply to almost all industries and to around 85% of workers and business owners in the province. Here’s what employers need to know about the Code and how it affects their business.
The Basics of the Alberta Employment Standards Code
Employers must understand Alberta employment standards in order to ensure that their business is operating legally and in accordance with the Code. Compliance entails fulfilling employer responsibilities and respecting the workplace rights of employees. Employers can use the Code as a reference on how to correctly address the following areas of employment:
- General holidays and pay
- Statutory holidays and pay
- Scheduling
- Hours of work and rest periods
- Overtime hours and overtime pay
- Job-protected leaves (e.g., personal and family responsibility leave / sick leave, maternity leave, parental leave, etc.)
- Minimum wage
- Earning deductions
- Payment of earnings
- Temporary layoffs
- Employee terminations and pay
- Vacation entitlement and vacation pay
- Youth employment laws
How are Alberta Employment Standards enforced?
Alberta employment standards must be complied with. They are enforced with inspections, prosecutions, penalties, judgment collection and audits. If an employer fails to comply, they may face administrative penalties and potentially prosecution.
Bill 17 & Changes to Alberta Employment Standards
Bill 17, The Fair and Family-friendly Workplaces Act, came into effect on January 1, 2018. This Act changed some Alberta employment standards, affecting the employers of the province. With these changes, employers should have reviewed and updated their workplace policies, procedures and operating practices. It is important that employers understand how amendments to the Alberta Employment Standards Code influence their business, and that these steps are necessary to ensuring compliance.
Expert Advice on Alberta Employment Standards
Some parts of the Employment Standards Code can be confusing. Speak to one of our HR experts to learn how Alberta employment standards affect your workplace. We help small business owners like you comply with provincial legislation, call us at: 1 (833) 247-3652.
