COVID-19: Period for Temporary Layoffs Extended to 180 Days

The Government of Alberta has extended the temporary layoff period. A non-unionized employee can now be temporarily laid-off, for reasons related to COVID-19, for 180 days.

Bill 24 received its first reading on June 18, 2020. Bill 24 changes the Employment Standards Code by extending the time an employee can be laid-off before they are deemed to have been terminated. Non-unionized employees can now be temporarily laid-off for 180 days if the reason for the layoff is related to COVID-19. The extended period applies to any employee who is currently on a layoff and any employee laid-off on or after June 18, 2020. For workplaces with unionized employees, reference should be had to the applicable collective agreement.

If you have an employment law question, reach out to a member of our Labour & Employment Team