HR HelpOntario
Workplace Rights

Your rights as an Ontario worker

Ontario has strong protections for workers. Whether it's pay, harassment, discrimination, or unsafe conditions — you have legal rights and people have to follow them.

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Human Rights & Discrimination

Under the Ontario Human Rights Code

Race, colour, ancestry, citizenship
Age (18–64 in employment)
Sex, pregnancy, gender identity
Sexual orientation
Disability (physical or mental)
Religion or creed
Family status, marital status
Receipt of public assistance

What to do if your rights are violated:

File a complaint with the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario (HRTO) within 1 year of the last incident.

Workplace Harassment & Violence

Under the Occupational Health & Safety Act (OHSA)

Protection from workplace harassment
Protection from workplace violence
Right to refuse unsafe work
Employer must have written policies
Investigations must be conducted
Reprisal for reporting is prohibited

What to do if your rights are violated:

Report to your employer in writing. If no action, contact the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development.

Wages & Pay

Under the Employment Standards Act (ESA) 2000

Minimum wage: $17.20/hour (2024)
Overtime after 44 hours/week (1.5x pay)
Vacation pay: at least 4% of wages
Public holiday pay entitlement
Equal pay for equal work
No unlawful deductions from wages

What to do if your rights are violated:

File a complaint with the Ministry of Labour. You can recover up to 2 years of unpaid wages.

Hours of Work & Leaves

Under the Employment Standards Act (ESA) 2000

Maximum 8 hours/day, 48 hours/week
Right to refuse overtime (in most cases)
Pregnancy leave: up to 17 weeks
Parental leave: up to 63 weeks
Personal emergency leave: 3 paid + 2 unpaid days
Domestic/sexual violence leave: 10 days

What to do if your rights are violated:

Employer cannot punish you for taking ESA-protected leave. File an ESA complaint if they do.

Key contacts in Ontario

Ontario Ministry of Labour

ESA complaints, wage theft, unsafe work

1-800-531-5551

Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario (HRTO)

Discrimination and harassment complaints

416-326-1312

Workplace Safety & Insurance Board (WSIB)

Work injuries, illness claims

1-800-387-0750

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