Saskatchewan Employment Act Updates Bring Significant Changes to Workplace Rules

The Saskatchewan Legislature has introduced amendments to The Saskatchewan Employment Act that modify several key workplace regulations affecting both employers and employees. The changes include a shift to calendar-day scheduling for work and overtime calculations, replacing the current 24-consecutive-hour system. The amendments also establish clear protections for employee tips, explicitly prohibiting employers from withholding gratuities from their workers. Additionally, the threshold for mandatory group termination notifications has been increased, requiring employers to notify employees, unions, and the minister only when 25 or more employees are affected, up from the previous requirement of 10 employees.

Other significant modifications include new restrictions on when employers can request medical documentation for sick leave, and expanded authority for the employment standards director to address discriminatory actions through wage compensation or reinstatement orders. The amendments also broaden several leave provisions, affecting sick leave, maternity leave, interpersonal violence leave, and bereavement leave. According to Labour Relations and Workplace Safety Minister Jim Reiter, these changes were developed following consultation with employers, unions, individuals, and other stakeholders to address evolving workplace needs in the province.

2024-12-05 22:58:19