Employment Law: Minimum Wage & Hours

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

What is the minimum consecutive hours off work required between shifts for employees in Alberta?

Six consecutive hours

Ten consecutive hours

Eight consecutive hours (correct)

Twelve consecutive hours

What is the maximum number of consecutive days that employees can be required to work without a break in Alberta?

20 days

24 days (correct)

30 days

14 days

Under what circumstances may employees be required to work more than 12 hours in a day?

Regular business hours

Company policy changes

Emergencies and unforeseeable circumstances (correct)

Personal requests from employees

What modification can be made regarding hours of work to accommodate employer needs?

Adjusted consecutive hours off Signup and view all the answers

What consideration is allowed for refusals to work on specific days in Alberta?

Religious reasons Signup and view all the answers

What is the requirement for employers regarding hours of work regulations?

Employers are required to maintain accurate records of hours worked. Signup and view all the answers

Under minimum employment standards, which of the following is NOT typically included?

Work from home options Signup and view all the answers

How are regular pay periods and paydays established by employers?

Employers must establish them in accordance with regulatory requirements. Signup and view all the answers

What is the maximum period employers are allowed to hold onto records after they are made?

Three years Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about wage deductions is FALSE?

Deductions can be made without written authorization. Signup and view all the answers

What must an employer do if an employee's employment ends with notice?

Payment must be made within 3 days. Signup and view all the answers

Which type of record is not a required directory by employment standards?

Records of employee complaints Signup and view all the answers

When enforcing minimum employment standards, what is the basis for enforcement?

Complaint-based enforcement Signup and view all the answers

What is the duration of the eating period mandated in Alberta for every five hours worked?

30 minutes Signup and view all the answers

What is the employer's obligation regarding coffee breaks under Alberta law?

Not required to provide breaks Signup and view all the answers

For overtime work, what minimum pay rate must employers offer for hours worked beyond the standard limits in Alberta?

1.5x the regular rate Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is true regarding banking of overtime in Alberta?

Employees can choose to take time off instead of pay Signup and view all the answers

What is the maximum number of hours an employee can work in a workweek before overtime pay is required in Alberta?

44 hours Signup and view all the answers

What happens if paid time off for overtime is not provided within three months?

Employee must be paid 1.5x overtime pay Signup and view all the answers

In which situation can an employer require an employee to work longer without a break in Alberta?

In certain circumstances Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following occupations is exempt from overtime pay in Alberta?

Medical Specialists Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Minimum Wages

Employers must adhere to regulations setting minimum wage levels.
Alberta's minimum wage increased to $15 in 2015, making it the highest in Canada as of October 2020.
Alberta has a “three-hour rule” regarding minimum wage conditions.

Maximum Hours of Work

Maximum working hours and overtime are distinct considerations.
Employees can be required to work up to 12 hours per day under specific conditions, including emergencies or unforeseeable circumstances.
A permit from the director of employment standards may be needed for extended hours.

Hours of Work and Rest

Employees in Alberta must have at least eight consecutive hours off between shifts and one full day off each week, up to a maximum of 24 days.
For continuous work cycles, work-rest requirements can be modified.
Employees can refuse work on specified days for religious reasons.

Eating Periods and Coffee Breaks

Employees are entitled to a 30-minute eating period after five hours of work, which can be paid or unpaid.
If unpaid, employees are not required to remain on-site.
Employers are not obligated to provide coffee breaks; however, if they do, these breaks must be paid.

Overtime Pay

In Alberta, overtime pay is calculated based on the basic 8/44 rule, requiring 1.5x pay for hours worked beyond 8 hours in a day or 44 hours in a week.
Certain jobs are exempt from receiving overtime pay, as designated by Employment Standards.

Banking of Overtime

Employees and employers can agree to exchange overtime pay for paid time off work.
Employees may receive one hour off for each hour of overtime worked instead of cash payment.
Any unused time off must be compensated at 1.5x overtime pay if not taken within three months.

Key Features of Employment Standards

Employment or collective agreements cannot provide less than the minimum standards set by law.
Unionized employees have additional protections under their collective agreements.
Promises made by employers regarding employee benefits must be honored.
Compliance is enforced through a complaint-based system.
Employment standards apply to all employers, regardless of size.

Record Keeping

Employers must keep accurate, written records of employment for a minimum of three years.
Records should be available for inspection by Employment Standards Officers to protect against unjust claims.

Wages

Employers must establish a regular pay period and designated payday.
Partial payments are not allowed.
Acceptable payment methods include cash, cheque, or direct deposit.
Employers can make specific deductions from pay, including statutory, court-ordered, or those authorized by employees.

End of Employment Payment

Upon termination:
- If notice is given, payment must be completed within three days.
- If no notice is provided by the employee, payment is required within ten days.

Minimum Employment Standards Coverage

Core components include minimum wage, hours of work and rest, overtime regulations, vacation entitlements, statutory holidays, leave rights, and termination processes.

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Description

Test your knowledge on the regulations governing minimum wage and maximum hours of work. This quiz covers important legislation including Alberta's unique 'three-hour rule' and the implications of minimum wage adjustments. Ideal for students studying employment law or labor regulations.