How old do I have to be to work?

You must be 16 or older to work at most jobs.

You may work if you are under 16 if you have been granted a Child Employment Permit from the Employment Standards Branch. The permit must be signed by you, your parent and the employer. If the work is to occur during the school year then your Principal must sign as well. If you are under 16, you cannot work at a job that is harmful to your safety, health or well-being.

How can I find a job?

Check the "Student Jobs" section of the National Job Bank website at: www.jobbank.gc.ca.

Employers often post 'want ads' in the newspaper or at the place of employment.

Employers will often accept applications and resumes even if they have not advertised for employment.

You can also contact the Youth Employment Service of Manitoba , which helps young people, aged 16 to 24, find employment. They offer training referrals, employment counselling, job search assistance and information on training.

The Province also maintains a job-related website at: www.mb4youth.ca. It contains information about all the various services and programs offered for youth in Manitoba, including employment and training resources.

Hours of Work

How many hours can I work?

The standard full time job is 40 hours per week. A usual work week is 5 days a week, for 8 hours a day.

Some employers hire people for part-time work, which can be 1 or 2 days a week for 4- to 5-hour shifts.

What if I work longer than 8 hours in one day?

If you work more than 8 hours in 1 day, your employer must pay you overtime or give you time off instead of the pay.

Do I have to work overtime?

No, generally an employer is not allowed to force an employee to work overtime.

How many days in a row can I work?

You cannot be asked to work more than 7 days in row without a day off.

Do I have to work on Sundays?

Generally, yes. However, in some retail businesses (with more than 4 employees working on a Sunday) you can refuse to work on a Sunday. In those circumstances, you must give the employer at least 14 days notice before the Sunday.

What if I start or finish work after midnight?

If you start or end your shift between 12:00 a.m. and 6:00 a.m. and both your work and home are within the same city or town, your employer must provide transportation to or from work.

You may quit school at age 15 if you have permission from your parents and school officials.

Do I get any breaks?

For every 5 hours that you work your employer must allow you a half-hour to eat. This meal break is not necessarily paid for by the employer.

Under the law, an employer does not have to give coffee breaks, but most employers give one coffee break for every 4 hours worked.

What if I don't think my employer is treating me fairly?

You can make a complaint to the Employment Standards Branch. This office can provide you with information about minimum standards of employment including hours, wages, vacations and employee rights. The Employment Standards Branch can also investigate complaints and suspected violations of employment standards law.

You may also contact the Workers Organizing Resource Centre, which provides assistance with workplace rights and issues.

Wages

How much will I get paid?

Employers cannot pay someone less than minimum wage, even if the employee is under 18. As of April 1, 2005, Manitoba's minimum wage is $7.25/hour. Some jobs do pay more than minimum wage.

In some cases, employers may be allowed to pay less than minimum wage to employees with a physical or mental handicap.

How much will I get paid if I work overtime?

Overtime, or 'time-and-a-half', is your hourly rate of pay plus half. You are only paid overtime for that time over 8 hours in a day or 40 hours in a week. For example, if you work a 9-hour shift, you will be paid overtime for 1 hour. If you are being paid minimum wage, for the first 8 hours you will be paid $7.25 per hour, but for the last hour you will be paid $ 10.87.

You and your employer may agree that you will take time off instead of pay. For example, if you are entitled to overtime pay of 1.5 times your usual rate of pay, you may agree to time off equal to 1.5 times the number of hours of overtime you worked.

How often do I get paid?

Normally, employees are paid twice per month.

Can my employer deduct money from my paycheque?

The only deductions that can be taken from your paycheck are those authorized by law, or those that you specifically agree to. An employer does not have the right to charge you for any costs or losses.

Whenever you are paid, your employer must provide a statement showing your regular hours and overtime hours of pay. It must also show your rate of pay, as well as any deductions made and the reason for each deduction. One common deduction is for a uniform required for work. The deduction for the uniform cannot result in your wages being less than minimum wage.

What if I go to work and it's not busy?

If you show up for work and are sent home because it is not busy, your employer must pay you for at least 3 hours whether you work them or not, unless you were scheduled for less than 3 hours.

Getting Time Off

What if I want time off work?

For every year that you work with an employer you are entitled to 2 weeks of paid vacation. After 5 years with the same employer, this rises to 3 weeks. For every week of paid vacation you are paid for the number of hours that you normally work in a week.

If your job ends before you have taken your paid vacation, you are entitled to the vacation pay that you have earned up to that point. So, if you are entitled to 2 weeks of vacation per year, your vacation pay would equal 4 per cent of your hourly wage for every non-overtime hour you have worked. If you are entitled to 3 weeks vacation, this would equal 6 per cent of your hourly wage for every non-overtime hour worked.

Some employers will let you take time off work without pay whenever you want, as long as you give them notice of this request for time off. The employer may also refuse this request.

Do I have to work on general holidays?

If your employer requires it, you must work on a holiday. However, you will be paid overtime for all work done on a holiday. Some employees who qualify for 'holiday pay' will make even more.

If you earn wages for 15 days out of 30 days before the holiday, and you are available to work on your regular working days, before and after the holiday, you are entitled to your regular pay for that day, plus the day off.

If you earn minimum wage, and 1 of your scheduled work days falls on a holiday, you may not have to work 15 out of 30 days before the holiday to qualify for holiday pay. So long as you worked the last scheduled shift before the holiday as well as the rest of the scheduled work days that week, you are entitled to your regular pay for that day, plus the day off.

But if you qualify for holiday pay and your employer requires that you work on the holiday, you are entitled to your regular pay for that day, as well as overtime pay for any hours worked -- 'double time-and-a-half'.

In some cases, depending on the type of work you do, your employer does not have to pay you overtime wages on a holiday. If you work at a gas station, hospital, hotel, restaurant, or in a continuously operating plant, amusement place, seasonal industry or domestic service, and are required to work on a holiday, you are entitled to your regular wage for that day, as well a paid day off to be taken within 1 month.

The 7 annual general holidays in Manitoba are: New Year's Day; Good Friday; Victoria Day; Canada Day; Labour Day; Thanksgiving Day; and Christmas Day.

Am I allowed time off if I am pregnant?

Only a female who has worked 7 consecutive months at her place of employment, and who is pregnant, will be granted maternity leave. A woman must apply for maternity leave at least 4 weeks before the leave is to begin and must have a doctor's certificate confirming the pregnancy. If this is done, she is entitled to 17 weeks of unpaid maternity leave. Maternity leave may begin any time during the 17 weeks before the expected delivery day, and it must end no later than 17 weeks after the date of delivery.

If you take maternity leave, you are allowed to return after the leave to your old position or to a comparable position at the same wage and with the same benefits.

Am I allowed time off if I am about to become a parent?

Any man or woman who is about to have a baby or adopt a baby, and who has worked 7 consecutive months at the same job, is entitled to 37 weeks of unpaid parental leave. Parental leave also requires written notice 4 weeks in advance.

A woman who has given birth to a baby must take parental leave immediately after her maternity leave is finished. Fathers may take parental leave at any time within 52 weeks of the child's birth or adoption.

If you take parental leave, you are allowed to return after the leave to your old position or to a comparable position at the same wage and with the same benefits.

If you want to end your maternity leave or parental leave early, you must give your employer written notice of at least 2 weeks, or 1 pay period, whichever is longer.

The End of a Job

How much notice must I give if I quit a job?

During the first 30 days of working for someone, you can quit your job without giving any notice. Once you have been employed for longer than 30 days, you must give notice to your employer if you plan to quit. This notice should be 1 pay period, the amount of time that each of your paycheques covers. In many cases, a pay period is two weeks.

If you do not give enough notice, the employer may be allowed to withhold your pay.

Does my employer have to give me notice before firing me or laying me off?

During the first 30 days of employment your employer can fire you at any time. Once you have been employed for longer than 30 days, your employer must give you notice of at least 1 pay period before firing you. An empoloyer, however, can establish a notice period that is less than 1 pay period, providing hte employees are made aware of this by a posted notice.

If you are not given enough notice by your employer, you must be paid the wages you would have earned if such notice had been given.

In certain situations, for example if you were caught stealing, your employer doesn't have to give you any notice.

Health and Safety at Work

Does my employer have a duty to protect my safety at work?

Yes, all employers must ensure the safety, health and welfare of all employees at work. Your employer must provide and maintain a workplace with equipment, systems and tools that are safe and without risks to health or safety.

Every employer must also provide information, instruction, training and supervision to all workers asked to perform a specific job.

What are my responsibilities in maintaining a safe workplace?

All workers have a responsibility to take steps to protect their own safety and the safety of others at work. If your work requires you to use safety devices when doing your job, you have to use them.

Any unsafe condition must be corrected and should be reported to your supervisor immediately.

If a worker does not use all safety devices and is injured on the job, the worker can still get compensation for the injury from the Workers Compensation Board.

What if I don't think my workplace is safe?

You should refuse to work if you reasonably believe that something in the workplace is dangerous to your health or safety, or if you feel that you cannot safely perform a required task. You should immediately report unsafe conditions to your supervisor or the person in charge.

An employer must not force you to work in conditions known to be dangerous. You cannot be fired or disciplined for refusing to work in conditions that you believe to be unsafe.

If your supervisor or the person in charge of the workplace does not or cannot help you, then you may make a complaint to a health and safety officer at the Workplace Safety and Health Branch.

What can a health and safety officer do?

A health and safety officer can order that the employer improve the situation within a reasonable time.

If the employer does not fix the dangerous work condition or if the condition can cause immediate danger to workers, the officer can order that work be stopped until the condition is fixed.

What happens if I get injured at work?

If you get injured on the job, you may qualify for benefits from the Workers Compensation Board. Many workplaces are covered by Workers Compensation, which is a fund that compensates workers for work-related injuries. Not all injuries, and not all workplaqces, are covered by Workers Compensation. If you are injured, your case will be assessed after you apply for benefits.

It is very important that you report all injuries (whether of not the injury results in time losst from work) as soon as possible after they happen. Your employer is responsible for reporting the injury to the Workers Compensation Board. If your employer does not, then you should.

Can an employer ask me to work alone?

Yes, an employer can ask you to work alone as long as there is some plan in place to ensure your safety. This may include regular checks on you, a phone number to call, or an alarm system. The plan should be signed by both you and your employer.

Unions

What is a union?

Unions are organizations formed by workers to represent the interests of workers in the workplace. This includes raising issues on behalf of workers or defending workers' rights in the workplace.

Unions have procedures for solving problems between employees and their employer. Unions have the organization and bargaining power that is needed for workers to negotiate effectively with their employer. This includes using the right to strike when an agreement cannot be reached.

Do I have to join the union at my work?

Sometimes, yes. It will depend on the agreement between your employer and the union at your workplace. No matter what, if your workplace has a union, you will have to pay the union dues. You will still benefit from the union contract with the employer regarding wages, benefits, hours and conditions of work.

What can a union do for me?

A union will deal with your employer for you, looking out for your best interests regarding wages, benefits, hours and conditions of work.

If you have a complaint about the way your employer is treating you, contact your union to report your complaint.

What if hte union is not representing me?

Unions have a duty to represent their members fairly and equally. If you feel that your union has not represented you well, you can contact the Manitoba Labour Board.

Other Ways of Making Money

Can I sell things that I make?

Yes, you can sell things that you make but you may need to be licenced. Most small businesses must be licenced if they are selling goods.

How do I start my own business?

Many businesses need to be licenced by the city or town they are in. To find out whether your business needs to be licenced, you can contact your local municipal office.

If your business has a name that you would like to keep for your own use, you may register the name with the Companies Office, a Manitoba government department. Once you pay a fee to register the name, no other business in Manitoba can use exactly the same name. The registration expires at the end of 3 years, but can be renewed.

Can I squeegee?

No, squeegeeing is now illegal in Winnipeg and anyone convicted of squeegeeing may have to pay a fine.

Can I panhandle?

In Winnipeg, panhandling (begging for money) is not illegal. There are, however, some restrictions that must be followed.

If you are going to panhandle, you cannot block someone's way, or physically stop them, and you cannot physically approach someone as a group of 3 or more people. You also cannot panhandle someone at a bank machine, bus stop, payphone, taxi stand or in a bus, car, elevator, pedestrian walkway or an outdoor restaurant or bar. If the person says "no" or walks away, you must stop.

If you verbally or physically threaten someone, or follow someone who has said "no" or walked away, you could be charged with assault or causing a disturbance.

Can I babysit?

Yes, if you are over 12 you can babysit children for money.

Babysitting does not have minimum standards like other jobs and your employer does not have to pay you minimum wage.

Financial Assistance

What is Employment Insurance?

Employment Insurance is financial assistance for people who have lost their jobs but are willing to work. Different rules apply to people who are fired or quit their job without a good reason.

Can I get Employment Insurance?

Usually people who are under 18 are not able to get Employment Insurance because they are in school and are considered unable to work. However if you have worked while attending school or are no longer in school, you may be eligible.

You can get Employment Insurance if you are willing to work, have worked approximately 900 hours in the last 52 weeks before your employment ended and have paid into Employment Insurance on your paycheques during that time.

To find out more about Employment Insurance, contact the Government of Canada Employment Insurance Office. You may also contact the Community Unemployed Help Centre, which provides information regarding Employment Insurance and helps people who have been denied coverage.

How much does Employment Insurance pay?

If you are eligible for Employment Insurance you will be paid 55 per cent of your previous weekly earnings up to a maximum of $413 per week.

How long can I collect Employment Insurance?

The length of time you can collect depends on how long you worked in the last 52 weeks, but you cannot collect for longer than 50 weeks.

What is Social Assistance?

Social Assistance, also known as welfare, is a program of last resort. This means that you must apply to any other financial program for which you are eligible before you will be considered for social assistance. The Manitoba Employment and Income Assistance Office provides employment and training support, financial assistance and counseling services to those who are eligible.

Can I get Social Assistance?

You may be eligible for Social Assistance if your parents are unable to support you, if you do not have parents, if you are in the care of Child and Family Services or if you have a child of your own and are not able to support your self.

The amount of Social Assistance you receive each month includes an allowance for rent and basic necessities such as food and clothing.

If you are in the care of Child and Family Services, you may also be eligible for the Independent Living Program.

For more information about Social Assistance contact the Manitoba Employment and Income Assistance Office.You may also contact the Workers Organizing Resource Centre, which provides information on Social Assistance appeals.

Please refer to Cahpter 7: Child Protection for more information.

What is the Independent Living Program?

The Independent Living Program helps people under 18 learn to live on their own. The program provides financial support to youths, teaching them how to look for a job and support themselves on their own.