March 8, 2005

Province ends 60-hour week

The provincial government has ended the 60-hour work week.

Labour Minister Chris Bentley says employees will now have genuine choice about working excess hours while preserving flexibility for businesses.

Bentley said that under previous legislation, some employees reported feeling pressured into agreeing to an employer’s request to work more than 48 hours a week.

Under the new legislation, employers who want employees to work more than 48 hours in a work week must meet the requirements of the Employment Standards Amendment Act.

Among other things, the employer must obtain written agreement from the employee, or from the union if the workplace is unionized.

— Grant Cameron

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