Online gig economy platform Taskrabbit Inc. is providing U.S. gig workers with retirement benefits through a new initiative. The program, in partnership with financial services firm Robinhood Markets Inc., provides workers with access to a match program for individual retirement account contributions. During the first year of enrolment, workers receive a two per cent match on […]
As Alberta considers exiting the Canada Pension Plan, the head of the Canada Pension Plan Investment Board visited Calgary on Tuesday to warn against losing its benefits. John Graham, chief executive officer of the CPPIB, made the pitch to a business crowd at a luncheon event. In his speech, he said there’s a strong business […]
The concept of employee benefits was established on a foundation built decades ago, when employees worked full time and long term with one employer. Those days are long gone. Temporary, part-time and gig work have become the norm, accounting for 60 per cent of job growth in advanced economies since the 1990s. Gig work is […]
A portable health benefits plan is a feasible, affordable and sustainable way to improve access to essential supplemental health and dental benefits for millions of Ontarians, according to a new report from the C.D. Howe Institute. It found the portable benefits plan would likely cost between $3.2 billion and $4.5 billion — excluding administration costs, […]
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 […]
The provision of employer-sponsored benefits has evolved significantly over the last 45 years, with the past decade ushering in the most consequential changes, fueled by technology, increased competition and demand. In the 80s and 90s, benefits plans were very siloed and one size fits all, says Chris Pryce, founder and president of Human Capital Benefits, […]
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 […]