What is the Employment Standards Code?
The Employment Standards Code provides minimum standards for most employees working in Alberta. An employee cannot give up their rights under the Code, even with the agreement of the employer.
The Code sets out the rights and responsibilities of both employees and employers in the workplace. It covers a wide range of topics such as minimum wage, working hours, vacation entitlement, and general holidays. The Employment Standards Code applies to most business owners.
The Ministry of Labour is responsible for enforcing the standards in workplaces across Alberta.
The Basics
The Code provides minimum standards in the following areas:
- Minimum wage and pay
- Hours of work (including overtime) and rest periods
- General (statutory) holidays
- Vacation entitlement and vacation pay
- Job protected leaves
- Termination and lay off
