Employment Standards

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A Quick Guide to Employment Standards

A Summary of Unpaid Leave Options

The Employment Standards Code provides a variety of options to allow employees time to deal with the demands of modern families without the risk of losing their job because of the leave.

A Summary of What's New

After the first major review of employment standards legislation in over 30 years, the Labour Management Review Committee presented the provincial government with a consensus report recommending changes to The Employment Standards Code. In December 2006, the province passed The Employment Standards Code Amendment Act. The changes to the code and regulations go into effect on April 30, 2007. This page highlights the changes.

Filing a Claim

The Employment Standards Code establishes the rights and responsibilities of most employees and employers in Manitoba. Employers and employees are often able to resolve disputes by calling the Employment Standards Branch office or searching the Employment Standards Branch website for information. If employers and employees still disagree on what employees should be paid, a claim may be filed with the Employment Standards Branch. As a neutral third-party, branch staff can investigate and make a decision on what is owed.

Other Government Support

There are more issues in the workplace than employment standards legislation covers. Many times employers and employees ask questions that are better answered by another government agency or department

Residential Caregivers

Residential caregivers live in the homes of the people they help to live independently. They are protected by the employment standards legislation but are have conditions related to there hours of work and rest periods

What are the Employment Standards: Your rights and responsibilities

The Employment Standards Code establishes the rights and responsibilities of most employees and employers in Manitoba. Although this legislation does not address all workplace situations, it outlines some basic rules employers and employees must follow.

What is Minimum Wage?

The minimum wage is the lowest amount, per hour, that employees must be paid by their employers for work in Manitoba.

What is the Labour Board?

Many people confuse the provincial Employment Standards Branch and the Manitoba Labour Board. The Employment Standards Branch enforces minimum standards and investigates disagreements between employers and employees about them. The Manitoba Labour Board adjudicates decisions made by the Employment Standards Branch, and gives employers and employees a chance to present evidence at a hearing.

Who is covered by The Employment Standards Code?

Employment standards legislation covers employees whose workplaces are under provincial jurisdiction. Almost 90 per cent of all workplaces fall under provincial jurisdiction, some professionals, agricultural workers and independent contractors are exempt.

Young Employees

Young people working in Manitoba have all of the rights and responsibilities of adult employees. Minimum standards such as general holidays, vacations, minimum wage and termination apply to all workers regardless of age. There are some restrictions placed on employees under 18 years old.