Ontario Cracks Down on Bad Employers
Ontario is taking a strong stand against bad employers who exploit workers by introducing new legislation that will see increased fines for violations of the Employment Standards Act. Labour Minister David Piccini stated that the government is committed to sending a message to “bad actor” employers that there will be more severe consequences for their actions.
The new legislation aims to target organizations that fail to pay wages, penalize employees for taking pregnancy or parental leave, and enforce unequal pay for equal work. The maximum fine for individuals convicted of violating the act will be raised to $100,000 from $50,000, sending a clear message that exploiting workers will not be tolerated.
Ministry of Labour investigators will also have the authority to impose fines of $5,000 for repeat offenders, up from $1,000, with the possibility of the fines being multiplied based on the number of employees affected by the violation. This increased penalty system is designed to hold employers accountable for their actions and protect the rights of workers in Ontario.
A recent Ministry investigation uncovered that 10,000 Ontario workers are owed a cumulative total of $4.2 million, highlighting the need for stricter enforcement measures to protect workers. The new fines are part of a larger labour omnibus bill that will be introduced in the legislature, which includes provisions to provide wildland firefighters with the same coverage as municipal firefighters and create a new high school apprenticeship pathway for skilled trades.
Additionally, the province will eliminate sick note requirements for short absences to reduce the workload on family doctors. This move is aimed at streamlining the process for employees who need to take time off due to illness and ensuring that they are not penalized for seeking medical care.
Overall, the new legislation signals a commitment by the Ontario government to protect workers and hold bad employers accountable for their actions. With increased fines and stricter enforcement measures, employees can feel more confident that their rights will be upheld in the workplace. Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story from The Daily Commercial News.
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