Employment Standards

Fairness in the workplace is the right of all Ontarians.

Employment standards are enforced under the Employment Standards Act, 2000 (ESA), which sets out the minimum standards that employers and employees must follow.

The Ministry of Labour, through its Employment Standards Program:

enforces the ESA and its regulations
provides information and education to employers and employees, making it easier for people to understand and comply voluntarily
investigates possible violations
resolves complaints

If you are employed in Ontario, you are probably protected by the ESA. To find out more, check out our General Information Fact Sheet.

Spotlight

Vulnerable Workers

Vulnerable Workers Blitz

Officers will focus on ES violations in workplaces that employ a high number of vulnerable workers.

Deductions From Wages

Illegal Deductions From Wages

Watch our new animated video on illegal deductions from wages.

/english/es/pubs/es_resources.php

New Employment Standards Tip Sheet

Learn more about our tools, calculators and resources.

Video Contest Winners

And The Winners Are…

Watch the winning videos of the “It’s Your Job” Ontario secondary school contest.

May 5 - 12, 2013

Vote for your favourite video in Canada’s workplace video contest!

Are You Covered by the ESA?
Guide to the ESA
Complying with Employment Standards: What Businesses Need to Know
Posting and Training Requirements
Employment Standards Act: Law | Regulations

Under the Employment Standards Act, 2000 (ESA), most employees earn at least two weeks of vacation time after every twelve months.

Employees are generally entitled to be paid at least 4 percent of their total wages earned as vacation pay.

Learn more about the ESA’s vacation provisions.

New Year's Day: January 1, 2013
Family Day: February 18, 2013
Good Friday: March 29, 2013
Victoria Day: May 20, 2013
Canada Day: July 1, 2013
Labour Day: September 2, 2013
Thanksgiving Day: October 14, 2013
Christmas Day: December 25, 2013
Boxing Day: December 26, 2013

Learn more about public holidays or calculate your public holiday pay.