Human Resources Legislative Update
Federal Government Consults on Gig Economy and Right to Disconnect
Date: March 24, 2021
On March 18, 2021, the federal government announced that it has launched a consultation for Canadians to share their views on the following issues in federally regulated workplaces:
- “gig work” (a.k.a work “where workers enter into short-term contracts to complete specific and often one-off tasks, generally through digital platforms”)
- a “right to disconnect,” for example, setting clear expectations around the use of cellphones after the workday is done
The government has also published backgrounders on gig work and the right to disconnect.
An online survey entitled “Share your thoughts on the new realities of working Canadians: The right to disconnect and gig work” has been created and both employees and employers alike are able to provide their comments and experiences until April 30, 2021.
As we reported in our Federal Post of February 5, 2020, Modernizing Federal Labour Standards, and More, the federal government released the Report of the Expert Panel on Modern Federal Labour Standards in late 2019 which contained recommendations to the Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour (Minister) on issues relating to the changing nature of work in the federally regulated private sector. These included disconnecting from work-related e-communications outside work hours.
The article in this client update provides general information and should not be relied on as legal advice or opinion. This publication is copyrighted by Hicks Morley Hamilton Stewart Storie LLP and may not be photocopied or reproduced in any form, in whole or in part, without the express permission of Hicks Morley Hamilton Stewart Storie LLP. ©
