BorEHal May 2022 Edition: Electronic Surveillance Policy – What You Should Know

On April 11, 2022, the Ontario government passed Bill 88, Working for Workers Act, 2022, which introduced a number of worker-friendly legislative changes.

One notable change is the new obligation for employers (with 25 or more employees) to implement a policy relating to the electronic monitoring of employees.

Employers with 25 or more employees as of January 1, 2022, must have implemented the electronic monitoring policy by October 11, 2022.

To ensure your compliance, please contact one of our experienced lawyers.

WHAT’S NEW IN LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT LAW

Health and Safety

Each year, the government schedules compliance initiatives in specific sectors to protect workers’ rights under both the Occupational Health and Safety Act and the Employment Standards Act, 2000 and to enhance employers’ awareness of their responsibilities under those acts. As part of these initiatives, the government conducts inspection blitz in workplaces.
 
The focus of the initiatives and the calendar for the inspections for 2022-2023 have been announced by the government. However, the individual workplaces that will be inspected will not be notified in advance.
Find out more and be prepared.

Employment Contract and Policies

On the lookout for the latest developments when it comes to COVID-19 vaccination policies? Us to! The latest labour cases show that arbitrators focus on the specific context and circumstances of the workplace in assessing the reasonableness of any such policy.  This approach is continued in two recent arbitral decisions in this evolving area: The Toronto District School Board and CUPE, Local 4400 (March, 2022) and Unifor Local 973 and Coca-Cola Canada Bottling Limited (March, 2022). Find out more about the key takeaways.

INDUSTRY UPDATES

Hospitality and Retail

Last January, the general minimum wage increased from $14.35 per hour to $15 per hour. Starting October 1, 2022, the general minimum wage will increase again to $15.50 per hour. This is equivalent to an 8% increase over one year.
 
This new wage will apply to most employees, except for certain students under 18 years old, hunting, fishing and wilderness guides, and homeworkers. Find out more.

EVENTS

Annual Conference of the Federation of Northern Ontario Municipalities (FONOM).

Dates: May 9, 10 and 11 2022. Where: North Bay, in-person