14 - Keeping of Records
Part III of the Canada Labour Code (Labour Standards)
Legislative Source | Section 24 of the Canada Labour Standards Regulations identifies the required records to be kept on file for inspection by an Inspector under the Canada Labour Code. |
Employer Responsibility | Employers must keep payroll and other employment records for at least 36 months. Employers must also post an outline of the Code requirements and notices as required by law, along with an indication where one may obtain further information from the Labour Program. |
1. What type of records are required that identify the employee?
You must record the name; address; social insurance number; job title; and sex of the employee. If the employee is under 17 years old, the age of the employee must be recorded. The start, and any end date of employment is also required.
2. What information must be kept on file for how the employee is paid?
You need to record the rate of pay and whether it is hourly/weekly/monthly/or on any other basis. If it is on any other basis, a clear explanation must be evident. In addition, any changes to the rate of pay, and effective dates, must be identified.
3. What records must be kept of actual earnings of the employee?
These records include: amounts paid each pay day; overtime payments; vacation pay; general holiday pay; bereavement leave with pay; any termination pay/pay in lieu of notice as well as any severance pay. Each pay cheque should include a statement showing the amount paid, what it is for, and what is deducted.
4. What is needed in recording work hours?
Records are required which show the daily hours worked, unless the employee is excluded as a manager as provided for under the Code. If hours of work are averaged, records must include the posting of the 30 day notice, as well as identify the periods of averaging; start date of averaging; details of the reductions in hours; and the number of overtime hours paid if applicable. In the case of a modified work schedule, copies of the notice, schedules, votes and posting dates are needed.
5. How is time away from the job recorded?
For times when the employee has been granted leave, applicable records must be kept. This would include: start and end date of annual vacations; general holidays; bereavement leave; start and end dates of any maternity/parental/or maternity related reassignment leave; sickness and work related illness or injury absences.
6. What type of documents or notices must be kept on file?
These type of records include the identification of the employer's pay periods, any agreements relating to the postponement or waiving of vacation leave; the substitution of general holidays and related votes; notices to determine "year of employment" for vacation purposes; and notices for leave for maternity/parental leave. In the case of termination of employment, a copy of the notice of termination must be retained. If a request for a medical certificate has been made for sick leave or maternity related matters, a copy of the certificate(s) must be kept. In cases of work related injury or illness, detailed reasons for the absence, expected dates for return to work or notifications/reasons that employee cannot return must all be documented and maintained on file.
The following is a check-list of records required under the Canada Labour Standards Regulations.
Records
|
Regulation
|
|
24.(1) |
|
24.(2)(a) |
|
24.(2)(b) |
|
24.(2)(c) |
|
24.(2)(d) |
Earnings:
|
24.(2)(e) |
|
24.(2)(f) |
|
24.(2)(g) |
|
24.(2)(g.1) |
|
24.(2)(g.2) |
|
24.(2)(h) |
|
24.(2)(h.1) |
|
24.(2)(i) |
If Averaging:
|
24.(2)(j) |
|
24.(2)(k) |
|
24.(2)(l) |
|
24(2)(h) |
|
24.(2)(m) |
|
24.(2)(n) |
|
24.(4)(a) |
For information only. For interpretation and application purposes, please refer to Part III of the Canada Labour Code (Labour Standards), the Canada Labour Standards Regulations, and relevant amendments.
Additional copies of this publication can be obtained from:
Public Enquiries Centre
Human Resources Development Canada
140 Promenade du Portage, Phase IV, Level 0
Gatineau, Quebec
K1A 0J9
Fax (819) 953-7260
www.hrsdc.gc.ca
©Her Majesty the Queen in Right of Canada, 2003
Cat. No. MP43-345/14-2003
ISBN 0-662-67123-6