What is the Employment Standards Act (ESA)?

The Employment Standards Act (ESA) states the minimum standards of employment for workers in Ontario, along with the workplace rights and responsibilities of employers and employees. The Act covers most workers in Ontario, with several industry exemptions.

The Employment Standards Act for Employers

The ESA is an important resource for employers to understand what is legal in operating a business. In the Act, employers will find the minimum employment standards for:

  • Hours of Work
  • Wages and Overtime Pay
  • Minimum Wage
  • Equal Pay for Equal Work
  • Pregnancy and Parental Leave
  • Leaves of Absence
  • Benefit Plans
  • Public Holidays
  • Vacation Time and Pay
  • Termination and Severance of Employment
  • Temporary Layoffs
  • Liabilities
  • Complaints and Enforcement
  • Offences and Prosecution
  • Temporary Help Agencies
  • Job Protected Leave

Understanding the ESA is critical in developing compliant contracts of employment and employee handbooks. All workers covered by the ESA must receive a copy of the Ministry of Labour’s ESA Poster, which sets out their rights under the legislation.

The ESA may be difficult to understand, but your business must know the regulations that affect it as well as your rights and obligations as an employer. We can help you with this.

Need help on the Employment Standards Act?

Let Employer Line answer your employer questions on management, employment rights or human resources. We have the resources to help you with HR – from our complimentary helpline to our employer guidelines. Call us for advice right away: 1-833-247-3650.