COVID-19 – Update – Using Work-Sharing To Avoid Lay-offs

The Government of Canada has a work sharing program that helps employers avoid lay-offs when there is a business slowdown beyond the control of the employer. The program is called "Work-Sharing" ("WS") and involves an agreement between employers, employees and the Government of Canada. Under WS, a group of eligible employees ("WS Unit") with similar job duties agree to reduce their hours by the same percentage and share the available work. The WS Unit must reduce its hours of work by at least 10% to 60% of its normal work hours. The reduction of hours can vary from week to week as long as the average reduction over the course of the agreement is from 10% to 60%. The employees receive Employment Insurance ("EI") while participating in the WS.