Saskatchewan’s government passed amendments to The Saskatchewan Employment Act that will add protections for workers while supporting business growth, including limits on when employers can request sick notes and prohibitions against withholding tips, it said.
“Our labour legislation supports a growing economy and protects the rights of employees,” Deputy Premier and Minister of Labour Relations and Workplace Safety Jim Reiter said. “We are committed to delivering a fair and balanced working environment through modern legislation to attract investment and ensure Saskatchewan continues to be a great place to work.”
The amendments, which will come into force later this fiscal year, include several changes affecting both employers and employees throughout the province.
Key changes for employers and workers
The updated legislation will allow employers and employees to use a calendar day instead of 24 consecutive hours for work schedules and overtime calculations, potentially simplifying payroll and scheduling processes.
The amendments also increase the threshold when employers must notify employees, the minister and unions of group terminations from 10 employees to 25 employees.
Enhanced worker protections
Workers will see several new protections under the amendments, including prohibitions against employers withholding tips from their employees.
The legislation also restricts when employers can request medical documentation for sick leave, though specific parameters weren’t detailed in the announcement.
The director of employment standards will gain authority to order reinstatement and compensation for lost wages in cases where employers take discriminatory action against workers.
Various leave provisions will also be extended under the amendments, though specific details about which types of leave and their new durations weren’t specified in the announcement.
