In a move that gives employers some certainty as we head into the New Year, the Ontario government has extended O. Reg 228/20: Infectious Disease Emergency Leave (IDEL) under the Employment Standards Act (ESA) until July 3, 2021. Previously set to expire on January 2, 2021, the extension of this amendment ensures that workers remain employed while providing relief to employers who are required to reduce non-union employee hours and/or wages.
Until July 3, 2021:
- A non-unionized employee whose employer has temporarily reduced or eliminated their hours of work for reasons related to COVID-19 is deemed to be on a job-protected infectious disease emergency leave.
- A non-unionized employee is not considered to be laid off under the ESA if their employer temporarily reduces or eliminates their hours of work or wages for reasons related to COVID-19.
- A non-unionized employee is not considered to be constructively dismissed under the ESA if their employer temporarily reduces or eliminates their hours of work or wages for reasons related to COVID-19.
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