Quebec's Updated Act Respecting Labour Standards Presents New Challenges For Employers

On March 20, 2018, Quebec's Minister responsible for Labour, Dominique Vien, presented Bill 176: An Act to amend the Act respecting labour standards and other legislative provisions mainly to facilitate family-work balance (Bill) in the Quebec National Assembly. Despite numerous announcements promising a major restructuring of labour standards, the Bill does not overhaul the Act respecting labour standards (Act) to the extent anticipated.

If the Bill is passed, Quebec employers can expect the following major changes.

DIFFERENCES IN TREATMENT – PENSION PLANS

The Bill prohibits any distinction with respect to pension plans or other employee benefits that affects employees performing similar tasks in the same establishment, if the distinction is made solely on the basis of a hiring date. This change would not apply retroactively to distinctions which existed the day prior to the Bill coming into force, which date is yet to be determined.