Government want tougher Enforcement of Employment Standards
Perhaps we shouldn't be surprised. The Government is proposing changes in response to the results of a number of audits of businesses and to a series of Court cases where extensive lack of adherence to Employment law has been disclosed. The bill will come out mid year so it won't affect us until next year at the earliest - but they are proposing much more serious sanctions for those who don't follow the rules:
- Serious breaches such as exploitation could carry fines of up to $100,000
- Employers may be named and some individuals may be banned from being employers
- More individual accountability is proposed (less protection from the "company umbrella")
We can expect the focus to be on Record Keeping (agreements; wages and holidays) and on Court resolution, not mediation.
It brings potential fines to a similar level as some H&S ones but should have no impact on any organisation that genuinely has its employment standards (including documentation) in good faith and in order.
If you are unsure, contact me and I can help you determine if you need to do anything to be prepared.