Find out if you’re covered by the Employment Standards Act
Question & Answer
My employer says I’m suspended without pay. What does this mean?Ontario's (ESA) has minimum standards that employers must follow including rules about how much notice employers have to give when they fire you. But not all jobs are covered by the ESA. And, in some cases, only parts of the ESA apply.
Read the Ministry of Labour's Industries and Jobs with Exemptions or Special Rules to find out if your job is covered by the ESA and which parts of the ESA apply.
You can also call the Ministry's Employment Standards Information Centre at 1-800-531-5551 or 1-866-567-8893 (TTY).
If you’re not covered by the ESA
If the ESA does not cover your situation, check What laws apply to me as a worker?
If you’re covered by the ESA
Use the Ministry's online Employment Standards Self-Service Tool to find out the minimum notice periods for you under the ESA.
If your employer has not followed the ESA rules, you may be able to make a claim with the Ministry of Labour.
The Ministry can order your employer to pay you what they owe you. In some cases, the Ministry can even order your employer to:
- give you your job back
- pay you for costs that you had because of what your employer did
If you’re in a union
Your rights are in your . If you have questions, your shop steward or representative can help you understand them.
