Most gig workers in Seattle will be permanently entitled to paid sick leave under a new law that expands coronavirus pandemic-era protections and strengthens labour rights for app-based workers. Under the law, workers will accrue one day of paid sick or safe leave — to be used when caring for themselves or a family member […]
In its 2023 budget on Tuesday, the federal government proposed roughly $13 billion over the next five years and $4.4 billion ongoing to fully implement the national dental-care program. The plan — to be administered by Health Canada, with support from a third-party benefits administrator — will provide dental coverage for uninsured Canadians with annual […]
As Ontario eyes a new system of portable benefits for precarious workers, one expert says these benefits can be an important attraction and retention tool for employers, while another believes employee considerations should be prioritized amid the rise of the gig economy. Laura Williams, founder and managing partner, Williams HR Law LLP Like anything when […]
A gig worker by any other name would be a lot more expensive. In most jurisdictions, Uber Technology Inc. drivers and their app-based brethren are classified as independent contractors and not employees. As contractors in Canada, they’re not entitled to minimum wage, employer Canada Pension Plan and employment insurance contributions or to participate in tax-advantaged […]
A bill that would amend U.S. labour law to establish a new classification for gig workers could also deny them the right to a minimum wage and other employment protections. The Worker Flexibility and Choice Act would change the Fair Labor Standards Act so ’employee’ doesn’t include anyone who’s entered into a worker-flexibility agreement, such […]
Seattle’s city council unanimously approved a measure that pushes app-based companies like food delivery services to improve wages and other working conditions for gig workers. Among other things, the legislation would ensure app-based workers are paid minimum wage plus expenses and tips. The rates for workers at companies such as DoorDash Inc., Grubhub Inc. and […]
An article on how employers can create health benefits and retirement plans for gig workers was the most-read story on BenefitsCanada.com over the last week. Here are the five most popular news stories of the week: 1. Expert panel: How employers can design health benefits, retirement plans for gig workers 2. Hitachi, Unifor agreement includes DB, DC pension […]
Whether they’re delivering takeout, chauffeuring passengers, or fixing leaky sinks, most gig workers in Canada don’t get benefits. Classified as independent contractors rather than employees, they’re excluded from employer contributions to Canada Pension Plan and Employment Insurance, they may not be protected under worker’s compensation and they can’t participate in tax-advantaged benefits programs like registered […]
In its 2022 budget on Thursday, the Ontario government said it’s implementing a permanent target-benefit pension plan framework in 2023. The budget noted specified Ontario multi-employer pension plans, which provide these types of benefits, have been operating under temporary regulations that will expire in 2024 unless replaced by a permanent framework. “A permanent target-benefit framework […]
With two of Ontario’s government parties promising to develop portable benefits plans, it’s important to remember that plan sponsors need the freedom to design and price their benefits packages, as well as stability in terms of government processes, says one expert. “Plan sponsors are already delivering programs to a large proportion of the workforce and […]