Bill 228/20 Extended January 2021
The Ontario government has extended the Infectious Disease Emergency Leave till January 2, 2021.
The Leave, in effect during the COVID-19 period, was to end on September 4, 2020. However, through an amendment (O. Reg. 492/20) to Regulation 228/20, the COVID-19 period (which began on March 1, 2020) has now been extended till January 2, 2021.
This is an important measure that provides major relief to employees and employers. Employees unable to work due to COVID-19 related reasons can avail this unpaid and job-protected emergency leave.
How does Regulation 492/20 affect temporary layoffs?
All non-unionized employees who have had their work hours or wages reduced due to the pandemic will not be considered temporarily laid off. They will be deemed to be on an Infectious Disease Emergency Leave.
How does Regulation 492/20 affect constructive dismissals?
A temporary reduction or elimination of an employee’s work hours or wages due to reasons related to COVID-19 will not be considered a constructive dismissal. This will be retroactive to March 1, 2020, and continue till the end of the COVID-19 period.
This does not apply to cases where a worker resigned following a constructive dismissal before May 29, 2020.
What if an employee has filed a complaint with the Ministry of Labour over temporary reduction in work hours or wages?
Such a complaint would not be considered only if the changes took place during the COVID-19 period due to pandemic-related reasons.
This will not apply to cases of termination. Or cases where a layoff occurred due to shutting down of the business. A termination due to lapse of the maximum permissible length of a layoff before May 29, 2020, would also not count.
How can we help?
Let Employer Line answer your employer questions on infectious disease emergency leave, lay-offs, constructive dismissal and more. We have the resources to help you with these complex HR issues – Call us for advice right away: 1-833-247-3650.