Saskatchewan introduces changes to Employment Act to benefit employers and employees

A few amendments have been introduced to the Saskatchewan Employment Act, aimed at reducing the administrative burden on employers while strengthening worker protections, following feedback from employers, unions, and employees.

“To meet the needs of a growing Saskatchewan, we need to ensure our labour laws are supporting Saskatchewan people,” said Labour Relations and Workplace Safety Minister Jim Reiter. “The feedback we received from employers, unions, individuals and others has helped shape these amendments, which will provide flexibility for employers while still supporting employees.”

The amendments include:

• Allowing employers to use a calendar day instead of 24 consecutive hours for work schedules and overtime provisions.
• Prohibiting employers from withholding tips from employees.
• Raising the threshold for notifying employees, the minister, and the union about group terminations from 10 to 25 employees.
• Limiting when employers can request sick notes.
• Granting the director of employment standards authority to order reinstatement or compensation for lost wages in cases of discriminatory actions by an employer.
• Extending leave provisions for sick leave, maternity leave, interpersonal violence leave, and bereavement leave.