Government wants input from employers and labour groups as it moves toward 48-hour work week
Ontario’s Liberal government is taking the first steps to eliminate the 60-hour work week brought in under the previous provincial government.
“We will ensure employees have the protection they need so they can decide — without undue pressure — whether to work longer hours,” said Chris Bentley, the province’s labour minister. “That protection will be balanced with Ontario employers’ need for flexibility so they can compete in today’s marketplace.”
The government plans to introduce legislation in the spring session that would ensure employees cannot be forced to work more than 48 hours a week, Bentley said.
He said the current legislation means some employees are too worried about losing their jobs to say no to an employer’s request to work up to 60 hours per week. The government is looking for input from business, labour and others before the legislation is introduced.
“We want to design a system that works for everyone,” said Bentley.
A discussion paper outlining options and how interested individuals and groups can provide their views can be found on the Ministry of Labour Web site at http://www.gov.on.ca/lab.
