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ARTICLE · 04 DECEMBER 2021

Ontario Passes The Working For Workers Act, 2021

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As we previously advised, the Ontario government continues to push to amend the Employment Standards Act, 2000.

CanadaEmployment and HR
David Fanjoy
David Fanjoy
Dave McKechnie
Dave McKechnie
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As we previously advised, the Ontario government continues to push to amend the Employment Standards Act, 2000. The Working for Workers Act, 2021 (the "Workers Act") was passed by the legislature on November 30, 2021 with Royal Assent expected to follow within the coming weeks. Employers will want to ensure that they plan for these changes and the obligations that come with them.

What is in the Workers Act?

Right to Disconnect

At the forefront of the Workers Act is a new "right to disconnect" that requires employers with 25 or more employees to develop a written policy addressing employees' ability to disconnect from work. The Workers Act defines "disconnecting from work" as not engaging in work-related communications, including emails, telephone calls, video calls or the sending or reviewing of other messages, so as to be free from the performance of work.

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The foregoing provides only an overview and does not constitute legal advice. Readers are cautioned against making any decisions based on this material alone. Rather, specific legal advice should be obtained.

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