Employers must provide work schedules to their employees at least one week before the schedule starts. An employer can change an employee's schedule with less than one week of advance notice if unexpected, unusual or emergency circumstances arise. For example, if a large storm forces a business to temporarily shut down, the employer will need to notify employees not to report to work with very little notice.
Work schedules must cover at least one week (seven days in a row). The schedule must state:
- when work will begin and end each day; and
- when meal breaks will begin and end.
Schedules can be given to the employee personally, posted in the workplace, posted online on a secure website to which the employee has access, or provided in any other manner that informs the employee of the schedule.
Employees must receive at least eight consecutive hours of rest in any period of 24 hours. Employees must receive this break unless there is an emergency.
Permits to Vary the Scheduling Rules
Employers may apply for an authorization from the director of Employment Standards to vary the requirement to post a work schedule or a change to the work schedule.
In unionized workplaces, the Director of Employment Standards may permit a variation from the requirements of this section if the employer has obtained the written consent to the variation from the union that is the bargaining agent for the employees.