What is the Employment Standards Act (ESA)?

The Employment Standards Act (ESA) states the minimum standards of employment for workers in New Brunswick, along with the workplace rights and responsibilities of employers and employees. The Act covers most workers in New Brunswick, with several industry exemptions.

The Employment Standards Act for Employers

The ESA is an important resource for employers to understand what is legal in operating a business. In the Act, employers will find the minimum employment standards for:

  • Hours of Work
  • Wages and Overtime Pay
  • Minimum Wage
  • Equal Pay for Equal Work
  • Pregnancy and Parental Leave
  • Leaves of Absence
  • Benefit Plans
  • Public Holidays
  • Vacation Time and Pay
  • Termination and Severance of Employment
  • Temporary Layoffs
  • Liabilities
  • Complaints and Enforcement
  • Offences and Prosecution
  • Temporary Help Agencies

Understanding the ESA is critical in developing compliant contracts of employment and employee handbooks. As an employer, you must post a copy of the ESA and any regulations that may apply to your workplace setting out their rights.

The ESA may be difficult to understand, but your business must know the regulations that affect it as well as your rights and obligations as an employer. if you need any help with the ESA, Employer Line’s experts are here to help!

Need help on the Employment Standards Act?

Employer Line’s experts are here to make the New Brunswick ESA simple. We can help answer any questions you may have on management, employment rights, or human resources. Our team can support you with anything HR-related. Call our complimentary helpline if you need ESA advice at 1-888-219-8767