When Did 6% Vacation Pay Start in Ontario?

By Alice Nichols

If you’re an employee in Ontario, you might be wondering when the 6% vacation pay started. This article will provide some historical background on this topic.

What is Vacation Pay?

Vacation pay is a mandatory benefit provided to employees in Ontario. It’s a percentage of their gross wages earned during the year and is paid out as a lump sum when the employee takes time off work for vacation.

The History of Vacation Pay in Ontario

The concept of vacation pay dates back to the early 20th century. In 1934, the Canadian government passed the Industrial Disputes Investigation Act, which gave workers the right to form unions and negotiate with their employers for better working conditions. One of the demands made by workers was for paid vacation time.

In 1944, the Ontario government passed the Labour Standards Act, which established minimum standards for employment conditions in the province. Among these standards was mandatory vacation pay, which was set at 2% of an employee’s gross wages earned during the year.

Over time, this percentage increased as workers continued to demand better benefits and working conditions. By 1974, vacation pay had increased to 4% of gross wages earned during the year. And finally, in 2000, it was increased to its current rate of 6%.

How Does Vacation Pay Work?

As mentioned earlier, vacation pay is calculated as a percentage of an employee’s gross wages earned during a year. This includes all forms of income such as salary, commissions, bonuses and overtime pay.

When an employee takes time off work for vacation, they’re entitled to receive their vacation pay as a lump sum payment. Alternatively, some employers may agree to provide paid time off instead of paying out vacation pay.

Conclusion

In conclusion, mandatory vacation pay has been around since 1944 in Ontario, starting at 2% of gross wages earned during the year and gradually increasing to its current rate of 6%. It’s an important benefit for employees, allowing them to take time off work without losing income.