Employment Standards

Once you are employed, you and your employer are subject to certain standards that must be followed.

What are basic working conditions in Ontario?
Your rights as a worker are protected by federal and provincial labour laws. Most workers in Ontario are covered by the Ontario Employment Standards Act.

Your Rights at Work: Employment Standards Act
The Employment Standards Act, 2000, known as the ESA, is a law that sets minimum standards for fair workplace practices in Ontario.

Claim Your Rights: A step-by-step guide on How to File a Claim
If you think your employer isn't following the ESA law and you’re not getting your rights, you can file a claim.

Workers' Self-Help Kit
This Self-Help Kit will help you learn about your rights as a worker and how to enforce them. If you are owed money by your boss, this kit can help you figure out how much and tell you how to start an employment standards claim with the Ministry of Labour.

Protecting Employees: Information on How You are Protected
If you are protected by the ESA, you have rights at work, under the Employment Standards Act, 2000, known as the ESA.

Information for Employees - About Hours of Work and Overtime Pay
There are general rules in Ontario about hours of work and overtime pay.

Leaves of Absence: An introduction to Pregnancy, Parental, Emergency and Family Medical Leaves
If you are protected by the ESA, you may have the right to take time off from work for Pregnancy, Parental, Emergency and Family Medical Leaves.

What are my rights at work?
The Human Rights Code is Ontario's anti-discrimination law. It is enforced by the Ontario Human Rights Commission.

What can I do if I do not get paid at work?
If you do not get paid at work or have another work-related problem or inquiry, you can call the nearest Ministry of Labour Regional Office.

What is the minimum wage when you are employed?
The minimum wage is the lowest hourly wage rate an employer can pay to a worker. Both full-time and part-time workers are included.

Have you been fired or laid off?
If you have been fired or laid off with no notice or no pay, your employer may be breaking the law. Find out about your rights.

What can I do if I get hurt at work?
Your health and safety as a worker is protected by the Occupational Health and Safety Act. Get proper medical treatment immediately and tell your supervisor abour your injury.

Toronto Workers' Health and Safety Legal Clinic: Workers' Guide and Fact Sheets
This series of one-page pamphlets was designed to introduce newcomers to workplace health and safety issues.

What is the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board and how can it help me?
The Workplace Safety & Insurance Board is the Provincial agency that provides support and insurance for workers injured on the job.

Working through a temporary agency? What you should know
This booklet provides temp agency workers with information about rights at work and how to enforce those rights.

Employment Standards

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