Nova Scotia proposes changes to overtime threshold and establishes tip protection

Proposed change would lower overtime threshold from 48 to 44 hours, create new tip rules to go in place April 1 Just as the province opens the legislature for the fall sitting, the Nova Scotia government announced proposed changes to the Labour Standards Code it says will protect tips and allow earlier access to overtime pay for workers. Subscribe now to access this story and more: Subscribe or sign in to your account to continue your reading experience. Create an account or sign in to continue your reading experience. Among the province's announced plans were changes to the threshold to qualify for overtime pay from 48 hours to 44 per week and establishing rules to ensure tips go to those who earned them, with both coming into effect April 1, 2027. At a briefing explaining the changes, Nolan Young, the labour minister, said the measures come as many workers are feeling the strain of rising living costs. 'It will mean more money in the pockets of Nova Scotians at a time when affordability is top of mind,' Young said Tuesday. Under the proposed overtime rules, employees who qualify would get paid 1.5 times their regular pay after exceeding 44 work hours in a week. The province said this is in line with other jurisdictions. New Brunswick's overtime threshold is 44 hours a week, while Newfoundland and Labrador is 40 , with both requiring pay at 1.5 times the wage. During the briefing it was explained that changes around overtime would provide clarity regarding what work would qualify. Ryan Grant, deputy minister for the Department of Labour, said the legislation expands eligibility so overtime isn't only applicable when the employer requires the overtime work but when the employee volunteers to work, too. He said the amendments will make it 'clear that workers do qualify for overtime pay when extra hours are voluntary and permitted, not just when overtime is required by the employer.' This doesn't apply to all workers, however; the province said exemptions that are already established, as in agriculture and construction, would remain. When asked why those sectors would not be given the same minimum standards, Young said they are already covered under agreements that give better benefits. 'For the sectors that you mentioned, many of them are already under agreements . . . that would exceed this.' Presently, Nova Scotia has no standards around tips and tip ownership. Under the proposed protections, starting April 1 tips would be required to go to employees. Tip pooling remains allowed but pooling arrangements would be required to be posted where employees can see them. The minister was asked why the province would wait seven months before stopping employers from taking employees' tips. He said businesses need time to prepare and that he expected some to make changes before the deadline. 'I think it gives clarity and certainty around what the responsibilities are for both. You know, I would expect many businesses will achieve this earlier.' Young defended the timeline, emphasizing the changes benefit workers. 'I wouldn't take away from today, though; today is a good day for Nova Scotians. It's got to put more money back in the pockets of workers,' he said. 'These are significant changes.' Save on your next purchase from the Canadian home goods brand The brand's fourth Canadian location is now open Plus three other new limited-time menu items Located in the beauty department at Holt Renfrew, the retail space features a full selection of brand's makeup and fragrance finds. Your machine needs a clean