After months of conversations, it’s finally out! Our experts bring you all the news about the Working for Workers Five Act, 2024, or WFW5A for short, which got the official green light on October 28, 2024. This shiny new act builds on earlier ones to support workers, improve standards and fairness, and remove barriers for workers in Ontario. It’s all about keeping up with how work is evolving, especially with the rise of remote work. Employers, take note! There are some key updates, like new sick leave rules and job posting requirements, that you need to be aware of and that may affect your business.
What’s changes with WFW5A
Virtual workers, assemble
What’s the scoop on health and safety? In a nutshell, the WFW5A is shaking up the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) to fit the digital age. It now covers remote work, which means the OHSA applies whether workers are in an office or working from their couch. Notably, the definitions of workplace harassment and sexual harassment have been expanded to include harassment occurring in the virtual workplace. Meetings for joint health and safety committees can go virtual, too. Also, important info like safety policies and committee members’ details can now be posted online, making it easier for everyone to access it. Make sure your workplace violence and safety policies are up to date with these changes!
Just what the doctor ordered
On to workers’ dignity. A big change is coming for how sick days are handled. Starting October 28, 2024, if a worker takes a job-protected sick leave under the Employment Standards Act, 2000 (ESA), you can’t demand a medical note from a qualified health professional for the three days provided in that leave, although showing reasonable evidence is still on the table. This protects worker privacy to a certain degree and helps keep healthcare providers less swamped. For employers, it’s time to tweak your sick days and protected leave policies to align with this update.
Everyone is welcome
The WFW5A also wants to make certain industries, like construction and skilled trades, more welcoming for everyone, especially women. One requirement is about keeping worksite washrooms clean and maintaining a record of it. The recordkeeping rules are a first in Canada and aim to boost inclusivity.
Keep the conversation going
Moving on to accountability, the Working for Workers Five Act is serious about holding employers responsible. Penalties for not playing by the rules under the ESA are getting heftier, doubling the fines for violations like not paying overtime. Plus, the act will tackle the issue of “ghost jobs” by demanding honesty in job postings; when these rules come into force (stay tuned), employers will have to say whether the position is for a real vacancy or not. After interviews, candidates must be informed about certain information, so no more radio silence after interviews!
These changes aren’t all in effect yet, but it’s a good idea to start reviewing your hiring policies and procedures. Building a culture of transparency and open communication is key during recruitment and beyond, and it’s best to make sure your business stays compliant.
Need a helping hand with the WFW5A?
To stay on top of it all, get in touch with our specialists. They’ll guide you through the compliance maze and ensure you don’t miss any crucial dates. And make sure to ask about our expert content solutions, with tons of templates and updated policies to help you deal with the WFW5A and so much more. This means we can help you set up your policies from scratch or update the ones you already have to the highest standards!
The WFW5A is a big step towards a fairer, safer work environment in Ontario. By keeping up with these changes, employers don’t just meet their legal obligations, they help create a better workplace for everyone. So let’s embrace these changes and create a safer, more equitable future for all workers!