Ontario to Prohibit Unpaid Trial Shifts for Hospitality Workers
The province of Ontario is taking a strong stance against the practice of unpaid trial shifts for restaurant and hospitality workers. In a move to protect workers’ rights, Labour Minister David Piccini is set to announce explicit regulations banning unpaid trial shifts as part of the interview process at restaurants.
While it is already a legal requirement to pay employees for all hours worked, unpaid trial shifts have unfortunately persisted in some establishments. The proposed legislation aims to specifically prohibit this practice, ensuring fair treatment and compensation for workers.
Furthermore, the upcoming labor laws will strengthen rules against deducting employee wages in situations where customers engage in theft, such as dine and dash or gas and dash incidents. Although current laws prohibit employers from deducting wages due to lost or stolen property, the new legislation will clearly outline this prohibition specifically for these theft-related acts.
The legislation also addresses the issue of employers sharing in pooled tips. While current laws allow employers to partake in these pooled tips if they perform the same work as their staff, the new regulations will require employers to disclose whether they are sharing in the tips. This transparency will help employees understand and assert their rights regarding their tips.
Moreover, with the rise of digital payment apps, some of which charge workers fees to access their tips, the bill will ensure employees who receive their tips via direct deposit have the freedom to choose where their tips are deposited. This provision aims to protect workers from unnecessary deductions that can eat into their hard-earned tips.
The proposed changes encompass more than just unpaid trial shifts and tip regulations. The new legislation also addresses various aspects of the recruiting and hiring process. For instance, employers will be banned from requiring Canadian work experience in job postings or application forms, promoting inclusivity and providing newcomers with opportunities to showcase their skills and experience.
Job postings will now be required to include salary ranges, providing transparency and empowering job seekers to assess the suitability of positions. Additionally, businesses will have to disclose whether they employ artificial intelligence (AI) in their hiring processes. This measure is driven by concerns surrounding data collection and personal privacy and will help applicants make informed decisions about their engagement with AI-driven hiring practices.
The legislation also includes provisions to enhance workers’ benefits in cases of injury. By enabling increases to Workplace Safety and Insurance Board benefits to be super indexed above inflation, injured workers will receive better support and compensation.
In a similar vein, the bill expands eligibility for the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program, allowing more international students in Ontario who have completed one-year college graduate certificate programs to apply.
Regulated professions such as accounting, architecture, and geoscience will see changes in how they use third-party organizations to assess international qualifications. This revision aims to improve oversight and accountability within these professions.
The proposed legislation seeks to address various concerns within Ontario’s labor market, ranging from unpaid trial shifts to tip deductions and hiring practices. Its comprehensive approach demonstrates a commitment to protecting workers’ rights, promoting fairness, and fostering inclusivity in the province’s hospitality and service sectors.
In conclusion, Ontario’s plan to ban unpaid trial shifts for hospitality workers marks a significant step towards equitable treatment and fair compensation for employees. The upcoming legislation, expected to be tabled this afternoon, also entails regulations against deducting employee wages in cases of customer theft, increases in workers’ benefits, and the enhancement of hiring practices. These efforts aim to create a more just and transparent labor market in Ontario’s bustling hospitality industry.
