Find out if basic work rules apply to you

Ontario's Employment Standards Act (ESA) and the Canada Labour Code set out basic rules that employers must follow.

For example, both have rules about:

  • hours of work
  • minimum wage
  • vacation pay and
  • time off work, for example, when you're sick or pregnant

Employment Standards Act

The (ESA) applies to most workers in Ontario.

It applies even if you:

  • are not a Canadian citizen or , and
  • do not have work permit.

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. For TTY, call 1-866-567-8893.

Canada Labour Code

Some workplaces are not covered by the ESA. Instead, they're covered by the Canada Labour Code. This includes banks, airlines, some trucking businesses, and broadcasting.

The Government of Canada has information about your rights in the Canada Labour Code. Or call the government's Labour Program, Ontario Region at 1-800-641-4049.

If your employer says you’re self-employed

Some employers say that their workers are self-employed and the ESA or Canada Labour Code (CLC) does not apply to them. If this is your situation, it's a good idea to get legal advice.

The rights in the ESA or CLC might still apply even if you signed something that says you're:

  • an independent contractor, or
  • in business for yourself.

For example, you might have the right to be paid for working overtime.

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