Employee discounts

Discounts are not covered by the Employment Standards Act, 2000 (ESA). The employer is responsible for deciding whether employees get a discount on products the employer makes or sells, or on services the employer provides. However, if there is a discount, the employer is the one who determines how much the discount will be.

Dress codes

Generally, the employer is responsible for making decisions about dress codes, uniforms and other clothing requirements--and about who pays for them.

An employer may make a deduction from wages to cover the cost of a uniform or other clothing requirements with the signed, specific written authorization from the employee permitting the deduction and setting out the amount of the deduction.

A dress code cannot violate a collective agreement at the workplace, the Human Rights Code or the Occupational Health and Safety Act.

Paid sick leave and bereavement leave

Some employers have paid plans for sickness, bereavement and other leaves of absence. Payment for such leaves is not required by the ESA. Whether a leave is paid is a decision for the employer or a matter for negotiation between the employer and the employee or, if the employee is represented by a union, between the employer and the union. However, the rules about discrimination in benefit plans will apply to paid leave plans. (See "Benefit plans” for details.)