These are Alberta's updated rules when it comes to stat pay

Nov 10 2018, 5:43 am

Alberta has some new rules when it comes to getting paid on statutory holidays.

The new rules affecting the Employment Standards legislation came into effect on January 1, 2018, so you’ll want to know a thing or two about them as we approach that next stat holiday.

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According to the Government of Alberta, “Most employees are eligible for general holidays and holiday pay immediately upon employment,” which is a change from the 2017 rules where you are required to have “worked for an employer for 30 days or more in the 12 months before a general holiday,” to be eligible.

Basically, just because you’re new is no reason not to get that sweet, sweet time and a half, and don’t let your employer convince you otherwise!

There are exceptions, of course, especially regarding construction, farm, and ranch workers, certain salespersons, extras in films, some instructors or councillors, and other positions of work, which are detailed here.

For all you other workers out there, stat holidays can go one of a few ways.

Either you get to take it off, meaning a day on the couch while still making your average wage – calculated as 5% of the employee’s wages, general holiday, and vacation pay earned in the four weeks immediately preceding the general holiday – or you’re stuck at work, but making time and a half.

Of course, it’s not all as straightforward as that. If you are working on a stat holiday, you may only be paid your standard wage rate, but you are then entitled to a day off at a future date along with your average daily wage for that day off.

Keep in mind that, according to Alberta law, “most employees are entitled to general holidays and receive general holiday pay regardless of the day of the week the general holiday falls.”

This is basically all to say that no matter how long ago you started working at your job, or what day a stat holiday falls, you’re entitled to either a paid day off (now or sometime in the future) or to be paid time and a half if you do end up working.

The full details of the new rules can be found here.

And the best way to find out how you’ll be paid for stat holidays? Just ask.

DH Calgary StaffDH Calgary Staff

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