What is the Employment Standards Act?
The Employment Standards Act, 2000, known as the ESA, is the law that sets out minimum standards for informed, fair and productive workplaces in Ontario. Why is there an ESA? The government is committed to safe, fair and healthy workplaces. The ESA gives employees and employers flexibility to design work arrangements that reflect today’s personal and business needs. The ESA helps workers get fair treatment; employers become more productive; and Ontario to attract jobs and investment and stimulate growth. Who is covered by the ESA? The ESA covers every employer and employee in Ontario except: • employers and employees in sectors under federal jurisdiction such as banking, airlines, interprovincial transportation and radio and television broadcasting; • employees of the Crown, who are excluded from most, but not all, provisions of the ESA; • police officers; • people who hold political, judicial, religious or trade union offices; • participants in work experience programs authorized by s
