Saskatchewan workers will get a bit of a boost, and their employers will gain more clarity as new legislation governing the workplace is enacted in the province in the coming year. The Saskatchewan Employment Act will see amendments come into effect on January 1, 2026.
Some of the amendments draw clear lines around employee rights and benefits while others provide flexibility and clearer communication for both parties, which hopefully leads to fewer workplace conflicts.
"Having effective employment legislation in place is critical for Saskatchewan's strong economy and secure future," Deputy Premier and Labour Relations and Workplace Safety Minister Jim Reiter said in a government release. "This legislation strikes the right balance for both workers and employers."
Among the amendment to be brought in are:
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allowing employers to use a calendar day rather than 24 consecutive hours for the purposes of work schedules and overtime provisions;
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prohibiting employers from withholding tips from their employees;
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increasing the threshold when employers are required to notify employees, the minister and the union of a group termination from 10 employees to 25 employees;
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limiting when employers can request sick notes;
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providing the director of employment standards with the authority to order reinstatement and compensation for lost wages in cases of discriminatory action by an employer; and
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extending various leave provisions.
A copy of the amended legislation will be available at publications.saskatchewan.ca/.