On March 21, 2024, Ontario’s employment landscape witnessed significant changes with the enactment of Bill 149, the Working for Workers Act, 2024. This comprehensive legislation introduces amendments to various statutes, including the Employment Standards Act, 2000 (ESA), impacting employers across the province.
Here’s a closer look at what Ontario employers need to know about Bill 149 and its implications for their operations.
The immediate changes to the ESA, made March 21, include redefining the term “employee” to encompass individuals working during a “trial period.” This expansion ensures that employees in trial periods are entitled to minimum standards under the ESA, providing them with essential protections from the outset of their employment.
