Bill 284: Putting Workers First Act

Employment Standards Act, 2000 has been amended to provide employees with an entitlement to three paid days of leave in certain circumstances related to a designated infectious disease. This is in response to the current pandemic. Employers are required to amend and update policies in accordance with the changes.

What you need to know as an employer

Workers will not need to provide a doctor note to take the leave. There are also specific conditions for when sick days can be given. The reasons must be related to COVID-19 and include:

  • Getting a COVID-19 test.
  • Staying home awaiting the results of a COVID-19 test.
  • Being sick with COVID-19.
  • Getting vaccinated.
  • Experiencing side effects due to the vaccine.
  • Being advised to self-isolate due to COVID-19 by an employer, medical
  • practitioner, or other authority.
  • Caring for a dependent who is:
    • Sick with or has symptoms of COVID-19; or
    • Self-isolating due to COVID-19

Further, not every worker is covered. Only employees covered by the Employment Standards Act (ESA) and those who don’t already have paid sick time through their employer are eligible.

Advice on Bill 284

As you prepare your business for these changes, you’ll find yourself with many questions about labour law and employment regulation. Ask Employer Line’s HR experts. We’re available to help business owners with this transition in Ontario’s changing workplace laws. Call us today – 1(833)-247-3650.