Have questions about sick leave? Call for free expert advice on Manitoba's Employment Standards Code.

Employee Sickness & Sickness Leave Advice

From time to time, your employees may need to take time off due to personal illness or injury. To manage workplace absences well, employers must know their obligations on sick leave.

Manitoba’s Employment Standards Code for Employers

Manitoba’s Employment Standards provide certain unpaid, job-protected leaves of absence to eligible employees. Though the legislation does not provide a specific leave for sickness, employees can use family leave when they need time off for family responsibilities or due to personal illness.

Family Leave – Employee Rights & Eligibility

Employees who have worked for the same employer for at least 30 days are entitled to three days of unpaid family leave in a calendar year.

Employers must provide employees time off for family leave. But they are not obligated to pay wages during the leave. Employers also cannot dismiss or punish their staff for taking a leave of absence provided under the law.

Notice Requirements Should I offer paid sick leave?

Employees must give their employers reasonable notice before taking a leave of absence. If the employee is unable to inform the employer in advance, they must do so at the earliest possible. Employers may also request reasonable proof to confirm the leave is necessary.

Should I offer paid sick leave?

Employers are free to offer more benefits than those provided for in the Employment Standards Code, but they cannot provide less than the minimum.

Sick workers may feel compelled to show up to work because they do not want to lose wages. Besides being bad for their health and productivity, this also puts other staff members and your customers at risk of infection. Offering paid sick leave to your employees is a benefit that will help you create a safe and healthy workplace.

Enjoy expert advice to manage sick leave in Manitoba

Call Employer Line to speak with our HR experts about family leave, paid sick leave, or any other leave of absence. We provide business owners with advice on how to meet their obligations under provincial legislation. Speak to our experts today at 1-888-219-8767.