• Administration of the Labour Standards Act which imposes certain minimum conditions on all employment contracts of service in the province.

• Investigating and mediating disputes between employers and employees.

• Consulting with employers and employees on problems encountered in complying with the Labour Standards legislation and exploring options to remedy a particular situation.

• Offering education, seminars and consultative programs to community organizations, educational institutions and various business sectors throughout the province on labour standards legislation.

• Taking remedial action by presenting the matter to a Labour Standards Adjudicator or to the courts in disputes where a mediated settlement cannot be obtained.

The Labour Standards Act addresses the following issues:

Vacation Pay - Ensures that employees receive vacation pay and/or an annual vacation.

Public Holidays - Identifies the paid public holidays and outlines the criteria required for an employee to qualify for pay on a holiday.

Hours of Work - Defines standard working hours and work week. Provides for a day of rest, daily maximum hours and rest periods for employees. Also requires employers to pay overtime to employees.

Minimum Wage - Requires employers to pay at least minimum wage to employees. Also provides for periodic review of the Labour Standard Act.

Wage Protection - Provides for the payment of wages, place and time of payment and ensures that employees receive a pay stub. Also ensures illegal deductions are not taken from employees.

Tips & Gratuities - Ensures that employees receive tips and gratuities.

Leave - Provides for various leaves such as pregnancy, adoption, parental, sick and bereavement. Outlines the amount of leave employees are entitled to and the criteria for obtaining the leave.

Employment of Children - Ensures that children are not employed in situations where their health or well being is affected. Also requires that parents give written consent for a child to be employed.

Notice of Termination - Requires that employers and employees give and receive appropriate notice of lay-off and provides for either party to terminate employment without notice. Also sets out the criteria relating to redundancy of large number of employees.

Administration - Outlines powers of the Director of Labour Standards and provides for an Unpaid Wage Account. Also requires employers maintain proper records and provides power of entry, interview and inspection.

Enforcement - Provides redress for Department or either party affected by breaches of the Labour Standards Act.

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